as in defensive
intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression
the cat drew back its ears and sank into a protective posture as the dog approached it
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Recent Examples of protective
Defense applications include lightweight shelters and protective structures printed in one continuous build.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026
Police said that Hounsou was instructed both on how to obtain a temporary protective order and how the eviction process works in the county.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Jan. 2026
As well as having a much lower rate of carrying this problematic gene, super-agers had a much higher incidence of also having protective DNA, APOE-ε2.
—New Atlas, 21 Jan. 2026
Many cases can be managed with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and protective dressings, the 2010 study from the Royal Veterinary College reported.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 21 Jan. 2026
An over-explaining habit is one of the most common protective strategies people use while communicating.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Its bark contains a protective sticky aromatic resin, and its needles are dense with a similar wax-like coating.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Green tea contains antioxidant compounds called catechins, which have heart-protective effects and may help relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 20 Jan. 2026
The process is meant to train cells and stimulate protective proteins, while optimizing mitochondrial energy production.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026
Police said that Hounsou was instructed both on how to obtain a temporary protective order and how the eviction process works in the county.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Jan. 2026
As well as having a much lower rate of carrying this problematic gene, super-agers had a much higher incidence of also having protective DNA, APOE-ε2.
—New Atlas, 21 Jan. 2026
Many cases can be managed with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and protective dressings, the 2010 study from the Royal Veterinary College reported.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 21 Jan. 2026
An over-explaining habit is one of the most common protective strategies people use while communicating.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Its bark contains a protective sticky aromatic resin, and its needles are dense with a similar wax-like coating.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Green tea contains antioxidant compounds called catechins, which have heart-protective effects and may help relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 20 Jan. 2026
The process is meant to train cells and stimulate protective proteins, while optimizing mitochondrial energy production.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
-
Cowboys rookie defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku was arrested and booked on a charge of reckless driving on Sunday night in Collin County, according to court records.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
At safety, Los Angeles Rams defensive back Kamren Curl feels like the right guy for the post job.—
Mike Kaye
Updated January 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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