self-defense
UK: ˌself dɪˈfens | US: ˌself dɪˈfens
n. the act of protecting oneself from harm or danger, especially through physical force
n. a legal justification for using reasonable force to defend oneself against unlawful violence
The word "self-defense" combines "self," derived from Old English "self" (meaning "one's own person"), and "defense," from Old French "defense" (ultimately from Latin "defendere," meaning "to ward off"). The term emerged in Middle English to describe the concept of protecting oneself from physical threats, later formalized in legal contexts. The morphemes retain their original meanings, reflecting the word's logical construction: "self" (the actor) + "defense" (the action).
She took a self-defense class to feel safer walking alone at night.
The court ruled that his actions were justified as self-defense.
Martial arts often emphasize techniques for self-defense.
Carrying pepper spray is a common method of self-defense.
The law permits reasonable force in cases of self-defense.