mama-bear
Overprotective mother figure
Mama-bear describes a fiercely protective mother, especially one who becomes aggressive when her children are threatened.
The term draws on the reputation of female bears for defending their cubs: Don't mess with her kids—she goes full mama-bear.
Often used approvingly to describe maternal protectiveness, though it can suggest overreaction to minor threats.
Serving to guard
- fierceViolently intense or aggressive
- nurturingSupportive care-giving
- defensiveProtective or easily threatened
- overprotectiveGuarding too zealously
helicopter · instinct · cubs · mother · maternal · safeguarding · vigilant · devoted
Large brown bear subspecies
- sowImplant in earth
- cubsYoung wild mammal offspring
- denPrivate room or lair
- hibernateTorpor through cold months
forage · salmon · berries · territory · protective · charge · claws · predator
Violently intense or aggressive
- sassyBoldly irreverent in manner
- confidentSure of oneself
- boldCourageous and daring
- assertiveConfidently self-assured
unapologetic · empowered · strong · badass · formidable · tough · resilient · no-nonsense
protective
Serving to guard
- fierceViolently intense or aggressive
- nurturingSupportive care-giving
- defensiveProtective or easily threatened
overprotective · helicopter · instinct · cubs · mother · maternal · safeguarding · vigilant · devoted · caring
grizzly
Large brown bear subspecies
hibernate · forage · salmon · berries · territory · protective · charge · claws · predator · wilderness
fierce
Violently intense or aggressive
assertive · unapologetic · empowered · strong · badass · formidable · tough · resilient · no-nonsense · boss
mama-bearpushover
Easily defeated opponent
doormat · passive · meek · timid · non-confrontational
mama-bearaloof
Emotionally withdrawn, uninviting
disinterested · uninvested · ice queen · hands-off · indifferent