Overprotecting: meaning, definitions and examples

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overprotecting

 

[ ˌoʊvərprəˈtɛktɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

parenting style

Overprotecting refers to the act of excessively shielding someone, typically a child, from potential harm or discomfort. This can hinder their ability to develop independence and resilience, as they may not have the opportunity to face challenges and learn from them.

Synonyms

controlling, overbearing, overwatching, safeguarding

Examples of usage

  • His overprotecting behavior made it hard for her to make friends.
  • Overprotecting parents often limit their children's experiences.
  • She worried that overprotecting him would stifle his growth.
  • Their overprotecting nature caused frustration in their relationship.

Translations

Translations of the word "overprotecting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superprotetor

🇮🇳 अधिक सुरक्षा देना

🇩🇪 überprotectiv

🇮🇩 terlalu melindungi

🇺🇦 надмірно захищати

🇵🇱 nadmierna ochrona

🇯🇵 過保護

🇫🇷 surprotecteur

🇪🇸 sobreproteger

🇹🇷 aşırı koruma

🇰🇷 과잉 보호

🇸🇦 الحماية الزائدة

🇨🇿 přehnaná ochrana

🇸🇰 nadmerná ochrana

🇨🇳 过度保护

🇸🇮 pretežno zaščitniški

🇮🇸 ofurverndandi

🇰🇿 артық қорғаушы

🇬🇪 მეტისმეტად დაცვა

🇦🇿 həddindən artıq qoruma

🇲🇽 sobreproteger

Word origin

The term 'overprotecting' is derived from the combination of 'over' and 'protect.' The prefix 'over-' originates from Old English 'ofer,' meaning 'excessively' or 'beyond normal limits.' The root 'protect' comes from Latin 'protectus,' the past participle of 'protegere,' which means 'to cover' or 'to shield.' The concept of overprotecting has become more prevalent in contemporary discussions about parenting, where now the balance between safeguarding a child and allowing them the freedom to grow independently is often examined. Its usage has evolved along with changing societal norms regarding child-rearing practices, emphasizing the importance of not just physical safety, but also emotional and psychological development.