Overprotect

To protect someone or something excessively or unnecessarily, often to the detriment of their independence or growth. This behavior can stem from a desire to shield a person from harm or failure but may ultimately hinder their ability to face challenges and develop resilience.

Overprotect meaning with examples

• As a parent, she tended to overprotect her children, never allowing them to face small challenges alone, which made them overly dependent on her guidance and unable to navigate the world independently.
• His overprotective nature led him to monitor every step his partner took, causing tension in their relationship, as she felt suffocated by the lack of trust and autonomy he imposed.
• The school’s overprotective policies regarding recess kept kids indoors most of the year, denying them vital opportunities to engage with their peers and explore their environment freely, which is essential for childhood development.
• Employers who overprotect their employees by micromanaging often stifle creativity and innovation within the workplace, as staff feel they cannot take risks or propose new ideas without permission.
• Despite her best intentions, her friend's overprotective behavior created a rift in their friendship, as it made her feel like she was being treated like a child instead of an adult capable of making her own decisions.