adj
overprotective
oh-vuhp-ruh-TEHK-tihv
Overprotective (adj) means Excessively concerned with protecting someone, to an unhelpful or restrictive degree. Example: “Her overprotective parents wouldn't let her walk to school alone.”
adj
1
Excessively concerned with protecting someone, to an unhelpful or restrictive degree.
"Her overprotective parents wouldn't let her walk to school alone."
How to use overprotective
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishProtecting someone way more than is actually needed, often smothering them in the process.
Common pairings
overprotective parent
overprotective of
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Her _____ parents wouldn't let her walk to school alone.
Etymology
Built from over- + protective.
Rhymes for overprotective
See all rhymes for overprotective →Frequently asked questions
What does “overprotective” mean?
The word “overprotective” means excessively concerned with protecting someone, to an unhelpful or restrictive degree. In plain terms, protecting someone way more than is actually needed, often smothering them in the process.
How do you pronounce “overprotective”?
“Overprotective” is pronounced oh-vuhp-ruh-TEHK-tihv (/ˌoʊvɚpɹəˈtɛktɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “overprotective” in a sentence?
Here is “overprotective” used in a sentence: “Her overprotective parents wouldn't let her walk to school alone.”
What part of speech is “overprotective”?
“Overprotective” is an adjective.
