Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- In a manner adapted to give protection; so as to protect: as, insects protectively colored.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- adverb In a
protective manner.
from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
- adverb in a protective manner
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
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Examples
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Every time a cop gets caught abusing his power and doing something illegal or disturbing, the force closes in protectively around its own.
Archive 2009-05-01 2009
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On the other hand, smooth caterpillars which are readily eaten by birds are usually 'protectively' coloured, so as to resemble their surroundings and remain hidden except to careful seekers.
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the sort of care for its fragility which will allow it to regain strength and fly gain, not the over-solicitous/ controlling care which will 'protectively' clip its wings.
A few moments of theory, and many minutes of pure arousal. Elizabeth McClung 2009
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To make matters worse, the innards were protectively shielded by 3/8-inch hardened steel plate.
Gideon’s war Howard Gordon 2011
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With long hair protectively covering her face, and her head buried in his shoulder, the Director took over, finished her essay, and launched the kids into a passionate song about pride.
Kari Henley: Inspirational Teachers Vital for Generation Net Kari Henley 2011
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But scientists agree that the same dose is more harmful when delivered all at once, rather than spread out over many years, which gives the body a better opportunity to respond protectively.
Radiation Math: How Do We Count the Rays? Carl Bialik 2011
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It is the uncertainty associated with climate change that validates the need to act protectively and proactively.
William S. Becker: Can We Handle Nature's New Norm? Part 1 William S. Becker 2011
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When Madda let him go and pulled her daughter protectively to her side, he backed away to a more respectful distance, beaming all the while at Fancy.
Slice Of Cherry Dia Reeves 2011
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The ministry, however, recommended removing the implants protectively.
Report Cites French Maker of Implants, Authorities Inti Landauro 2012
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With long hair protectively covering her face, and her head buried in his shoulder, the Director took over, finished her essay, and launched the kids into a passionate song about pride.
Kari Henley: Inspirational Teachers Vital for Generation Net Kari Henley 2011
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