1. (

• protective

) intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind; "a protective covering"; "the use of protective masks and equipment"; "protective coatings"; "kept the drunken sailor in protective custody"; "animals with protective coloring"; "protective tariffs" ;

2. (

• protective

) showing care; "a protective mother" ;

3. (

• protective ,

) (usually followed by `of') solicitously caring or mindful; "protective of his reputation" ;