overprotective

Thân thiện

An overprotective mother watches her child play in the yard.

Definition

Adjective: Excessively protective; showing too much concern for someone's safety, well-being, or freedom, often to the point of being restrictive or controlling.

Usage

This adjective describes a person, typically a parent, guardian, or partner, whose protective behavior is considered extreme or unnecessary. It implies that the protection goes beyond what is reasonable or healthy, potentially hindering the other person's independence, growth, or experiences.

Examples

• Her overprotective father wouldn't let her go to the school dance.
• He realized he was being overprotective when he wouldn't let his teenage son ride the bus alone.
• The therapist suggested that her anxiety stemmed from having overprotective parents.
• Don't be so overprotective; the children need to learn from their own mistakes.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in broader contexts beyond parenting, such as in relationships, management styles, or even regarding one's own health.
  • She has an overprotective attitude toward her personal data online.
  • The company's overprotective legal department stifles innovation.

Variants and Related Words

• Overprotect (verb): To be overprotective toward someone.
  • She tends to overprotect her younger siblings.
• Overprotectiveness (noun): The quality or state of being overprotective.
  • His overprotectiveness is causing tension in their relationship.

Synonyms

• Smothering
• Possessive
• Coddling
• Sheltering (excessively)
• Helicopter (as in "helicopter parent")

Antonyms

• Permissive
• Neglectful
• Laissez-faire
• Unprotective

Học thuật

Adjective

1. overly protective
   • overprotective parents