self-defence

British  

noun

1. the act of defending oneself, one's actions, ideas, etc

2. boxing as a means of defending the person (esp in the phrase noble art of self-defence )

3. law the right to defend one's person, family, or property against attack or threat of attack by the use of no more force than is reasonable

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Other Word Forms

• self-defensive
  adjective

Example Sentences

Self defence is a fundamental principle that includes preemptive strikes if necessary, Mark Esper, a former U.S. secretary of defence under Trump, told Reuters.

From Reuters • Jul. 25, 2022

E. Russell has it, "Self defence is the sacrifice which virtue must make!"

From The Grammar of English Grammars by Brown, Goold

Self defence nothing boots thee,   Thy flight he will worst— To earth he will tread thee,   O Gossip be cursed!

From Russian Lyrics by Bianchi, Martha Dickinson