the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. The quality or state of being protective.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. A disposition to protect or guard; the quality of being protective.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. the quality of providing protection
n. a feeling of protective affection
Word Usage
"Yes, Bella generally doesn't stand for his overt 'protectiveness', but Eddie still comes off like a future domestic-abuser more so than the first two pictures."