Langimage
English

overprotect

|o/ver/pro/tect|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˌoʊvərprəˈtɛkt/

🇬🇧

/ˌəʊvəprəˈtɛkt/

excessive protection

Etymology
Etymology Information

'overprotect' originates from the prefix 'over-' meaning 'excessively' and the verb 'protect' meaning 'to keep safe'.

Historical Evolution

'overprotect' evolved from the combination of 'over-' and 'protect' in modern English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to protect excessively,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to protect someone excessively, often to the point of hindering their independence or growth.

Parents should avoid overprotecting their children to help them become independent.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45