Overprotect: meaning, definitions and examples

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overprotect

 

[ ˌoʊvərprəˈtɛkt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

parenting behavior

To overprotect means to shield someone excessively from risks or dangers. This behavior is often seen in parenting, where a parent may go to great lengths to ensure their child's safety, sometimes at the cost of the child's independence or resilience. While the intention is typically rooted in love and care, overprotection can lead to negative outcomes, such as anxiety or lack of coping skills in the child. It is important for individuals, especially children, to experience a healthy level of risk to facilitate growth and learning.

Synonyms

excessively guard, safeguard, shield

Examples of usage

  • She's overprotecting her son by not allowing him to play outside alone.
  • Overprotective parents might hover over their kids during every school activity.
  • His overprotective nature makes it hard for his partner to make independent decisions.

Translations

Translations of the word "overprotect" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superproteger

🇮🇳 अधिक सुरक्षा करना

🇩🇪 überbeschützen

🇮🇩 terlalu melindungi

🇺🇦 надмірно захищати

🇵🇱 przesadnie chronić

🇯🇵 過保護する

🇫🇷 surprotéger

🇪🇸 sobreproteger

🇹🇷 aşırı korumak

🇰🇷 과도하게 보호하다

🇸🇦 الحماية المفرطة

🇨🇿 příliš chránit

🇸🇰 nadmerne chrániť

🇨🇳 过度保护

🇸🇮 prezaščititi

🇮🇸 ofurvernda

🇰🇿 артық қорғау

🇬🇪 გადამეტებული დაცვა

🇦🇿 həddindən artıq qorumaq

🇲🇽 sobreproteger

Word origin

The word 'overprotect' is derived from the prefix 'over-', meaning excessively or too much, combined with 'protect', which traces its origins back to the Latin word 'protegere', meaning 'to cover in front'. This combination first came into use in the English language in the late 20th century, as society began to recognize the broader implications of parenting styles and personal relationships. Over time, with the rapid rise of safety concerns and societal pressures, the term gained traction as more parents embraced protective behaviors in response to perceived dangers in the world. Its evolution reflects changing attitudes towards childhood and well-being, encapsulating both the intent to safeguard loved ones and the potential pitfalls of such excessive care.