overprotect

/ˌəʊ.və.prəˈtekt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌoʊ.vɚ.prəˈtekt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌō-vər-prə-ˈtekt/ (ame, mw)

overprotect — verb

  • overprotectpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • overprotects3rd person singular
  • overprotecting-ing form
  • overprotectedpast simple

1. to try so hard to keep a person, animal, or thing safe from harm or trouble that

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to try so hard to keep a person, animal, or thing safe from harm or trouble that you end up limiting their growth, freedom, or normal experience

例句

Bao's mother overprotected him as a child, refusing to let him cycle to school alone.

pattern: overprotect + somebody (transitive)

Coaches who overprotect young players from failure often stop them learning to handle pressure.

collocation: overprotect + somebody + from + abstract noun

同義詞
  • coddle

    informal; emphasises soft, indulgent treatment more than safety fears

  • mollycoddle

    British, informal; clearly disapproving — implies the person is being made weak

  • shelter

    neutral; can mean reasonable protection, only negative in context like 'shelter from reality'

  • shield

    general; about blocking exposure, no built-in suggestion of excess

反義詞
  • neglect

    the opposite failure — providing too little care or attention

  • expose

    to deliberately allow contact with risk or hardship, e.g. for learning

文法句型

overprotect + somebody/something

overprotect + somebody + from + noun

用法筆記

Subject is usually a caregiver, institution, or authority figure; object is usually a child, young animal, learner, or vulnerable thing. Carries a mildly critical tone — the speaker thinks the protection has gone too far.

常見錯誤

❌Her parents overprotected from the bad news.
✅Her parents overprotected her from the bad news.
💡overprotect always needs a direct object (the person or thing being shielded).
❌I am overprotect about my little brother.
✅I am overprotective of my little brother.
💡use the adjective 'overprotective' for traits; reserve the verb for the action of shielding.