overprotect

(ō′vər prə tekt)

transitive verb

to protect more than is necessary or desirable; specif., to exercise excessive, damaging control over (one's child, etc.) in seeking to shield from hurt, conflict, disappointment, etc.

Related Forms:

See overprotect in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb o·ver·pro·tect·ed, o·ver·pro·tect·ing, o·ver·pro·tects
To protect too much; coddle: overprotected their children.

Related Forms:

  • oˌver·pro·tecˈtion noun
  • oˌver·pro·tecˈtive adjective
  • oˌver·pro·tecˈtive·ness noun
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