"affording protection, sheltering, defensive," 1660s, from protect + -ive. As a noun from 1875. Related: Protectively; protectiveness. Protective custody is from 1936, translating German Schutzhaft, used cynically by the Nazis. The notion is "adopted or intended to afford protection."

also over-protective, "that protects to an undue or unhealthy extent," 1930, from over- + protective. Related: Overprotectively; overprotectiveness.

1660s, "protective, protecting (something) against disease," irregularly formed from protect + -ant. As a noun, "a protective substance or agent," from 1935.

"to be unduly protective," 1954, from nanny (n.). Related: Nannied; nannying.

"spectacles, protective eyeglasses," 1715; see goggle.

"protective cover, shield," 1874, from face (n.) + plate (n.).

protective display case, 1892, from shadow (n.) + box (n.1).

"coat (a metal) with a protective oxide layer," 1931, from anode + -ize. Related: Anodized; anodizing.

"having mail armor," late 14c., from mail (n.2). Of animals having protective skin or scales, by 1680s.

late 15c., "piece of fine cloth used for wrapping bread," agent noun from wrap (v.). Meaning "disposable protective covering" is from 1808.