protectively
adverb
uk/prəˈtek.tɪv.li/us/prəˈtek.tɪv.li/in a way that givesprotectionorshowsthat youwanttoprotectsomeone fromcriticism,hurt,danger, etc. :
He put anarmaround hershoulderprotectively.
Sheheldherhandsprotectively over hereyes.
See
protective
- Shewatchedover thechildrenprotectively atnight.
- He is protectivelyprivateaboutcertainpartsof hislife.
- Shepulledhercoatabout her protectively.
Defending and protecting
- anti-bug
- anti-mosquito
- baby
- bandobast
- bastion
- buffer
- defence
- defend
- harbour
- harm
- have (got)someone'sbackidiom
- hold off
- inoculation
- killsomeonewith kindnessidiom
- shield
- splashproof
- takesomeoneunderyourwingidiom
- watch list
- watchyourbackidiom
- wing