Usage Note
Protettivo describes something that provides protection: crema protettiva (protective cream), strato protettivo (protective layer). In psychology and everyday Italian it also describes an overprotective personality: un genitore troppo protettivo (an overprotective parent). The feminine is protettiva, plural protettivi / protettive.
Examples
"Applica una crema protettiva prima di esporti al sole."
Natural Translation
Apply a protective cream before exposing yourself to the sun.

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