protective English · revision 7713

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1661}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /pɹəˈtɛk.tɪv/ ''(UK)''; /pɹəˈtɛk.tɪv/, /pɹoʊˈtɛk.tɪv/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed [[af|en|protect|-ive]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Affording protection, defensive: 1661 in the OED, the 1660s in Etymonline.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ In economics, relating to the system of protecting home industries, it is from 1820.^(OED 1989) ''Protective colouring'', an animal's colouring that blends with its surroundings, is from 1892,^(OED 1989) and in electrical engineering, guarding against excessive current, from 1896.^(OED 1989) ''Protective custody'' is from 1933 in the OED and 1936 in Etymonline, translating German Schutzhaft, used cynically by the Nazis.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) The noun, something that protects, is from 1875,^(Etymonline) and Collins also gives it as a word for a condom.^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1661 – defensive.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1820 – in economics.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1875 – the noun.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1892 – protective colouring.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1933 – protective custody.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Giving or meant to give [[protection]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Wanting to [[shield]] someone from harm.^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(economics)'' Intended to protect home industries from foreign competition.^(Collins 2023)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ===Noun===

+ # Something that protects.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[protectively]]

+ * [[protectiveness]]

+ * [[self-protective]]

+ * [[cryoprotective]]

+ * [[nonprotective]]

+ * [[overprotective]]

+ * [[radioprotective]]

+ * [[semiprotective]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[protect]]

+ * [[protection]]

+ * [[protector]]

+ * [[protectionism]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}