Overprotectiveness: meaning, definitions and examples

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overprotectiveness

 

[ ˌoʊvərprəˈtɛktɪv.nəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

behavioral trait

Overprotectiveness refers to an excessive level of protection or control exercised by a person over someone else, typically a child or a loved one. This behavior can hinder the individual’s independence and personal growth, often leading to adverse effects on their emotional and social development.

Synonyms

excessive caution, guardianism, hovering, overbearing

Examples of usage

  • Her overprotectiveness made it hard for him to make friends.
  • Many parents struggle with overprotectiveness, fearing for their child's safety.
  • Overprotectiveness can stifle a child's confidence.
  • His overprotectiveness was evident when he didn't allow her to attend the party.

Translations

Translations of the word "overprotectiveness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superproteção

🇮🇳 अति-रक्षा

🇩🇪 Überbehütung

🇮🇩 perlindungan berlebihan

🇺🇦 надмірна захищеність

🇵🇱 nadopiekuńczość

🇯🇵 過保護

🇫🇷 surprotection

🇪🇸 sobreprotección

🇹🇷 aşırı koruma

🇰🇷 과보호

🇸🇦 الحماية المفرطة

🇨🇿 přehnaná ochrana

🇸🇰 nadmerná ochrana

🇨🇳 过度保护

🇸🇮 prezaščitenost

🇮🇸 ofvernd

🇰🇿 артық қорғаушылық

🇬🇪 მძიმე დაცვა

🇦🇿 həddindən artıq qoruma

🇲🇽 sobreprotección

Word origin

The term 'overprotectiveness' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'over-', which indicates excess, and the root word 'protective', related to the act of safeguarding or shielding someone from harm. The idea of being protective has existed for centuries, particularly in familial and parental contexts. However, the notion of being 'overprotective' has gained prevalence in modern discussions surrounding parenting styles and psychological impacts on children. In the late 20th century, with the rise of discussions regarding mental health, the term began to be more widely analyzed and critiqued due to its implications on personal autonomy and independence. Sociocultural factors, such as evolving views on child-rearing and increasing concerns about safety, have contributed to the development and recognition of this term in everyday language.