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Overprotective Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overprotective

[ˌoʊvərprəˈtɛktɪv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

parenting

Excessively concerned about the safety and well-being of someone, often to the point of being controlling or restrictive.

Synonyms

overbearing, overcautious, smothering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overprotective

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.
overbearing

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.
smothering

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.
overcautious

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.

Examples of usage

  • Helicopter parents can be overprotective, hindering their children's independence.
  • Being overprotective can prevent children from developing important life skills.
  • An overprotective attitude can result in children feeling suffocated and unable to make their own decisions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'overprotective'

The term 'overprotective' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the combination of 'over-' and 'protective'. The concept of being excessively protective has been a topic of discussion in the field of psychology, particularly in relation to parenting styles and their impact on child development.

See also: protect, protectant, protected, protecting, protection, protections, protective, protectively, protectiveness, protector, protectors, unprotected.