Overprotective: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is excessively protecting someone else, often to the point of hindering their independence.

• Her overprotective parents wouldn't let her go to the party.
• It's hard to grow up with overprotective siblings who are always watching over you.

Used to describe someone who is domineering or excessively authoritative, often trying to control others.

• The manager's overbearing attitude made the employees uncomfortable.
• He was so overbearing that nobody dared to speak up.

Often negative, used when someone is offering too much care or attention, suffocating the other person's personal space or freedom.

• His smothering love was starting to push her away.
• Parents need to find a balance between caring and smothering.

Used for situations where someone is being excessively careful to the point of being unnecessarily wary or fearful.

• She was so overcautious that she wouldn't cross the street without checking it three times.
• His overcautious nature prevented him from taking any risks.