PROTECTIVELY

protectively

(adverb) in a protective manner; “he bent protectively over the woman”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adverb

protectively (comparative more protectively, superlative most protectively)

In a protective manner.

Source: Wiktionary

PROTECTIVE

Pro*tect"ive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. protectif.]

Definition: Affording protection; sheltering; defensive. " The favor of a protective Providence." Feltham. Protective coloring (Zoöl.), coloring which serves for the concealment and preservation of a living organism. Cf. Mimicry. Wallace.

– Protective tariff (Polit. Econ.), a tariff designed to secure protection (see Protection, 4.), as distinguished from a tariff designed to raise revenue. See Tariff, and Protection, 4.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition