Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
self-defense
noun
/ˈsɛlf dɪˈfɛns/
Definition
The act of defending oneself from physical harm.
Examples
- She used self-defense to protect herself during the assault.
- In some jurisdictions, self-defense is a valid legal justification for using force.
- The martial arts class teaches techniques relevant for self-defense.
Meaning
Self-defense refers to the legal and moral right to protect oneself from being harmed by another person. It can involve physical techniques to counter an attack and is often invoked in legal contexts when someone has harmed another to prevent their own injury.
Synonyms
- self-protection
- personal defense
- defensive action
