self-protection

American  

[self-pruh-tek-shuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlf prəˈtɛk ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. protection of oneself or itself.

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self-protection British  

noun

1. the act or an instance of protecting or defending oneself

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Other Word Forms

• self-protecting adjective
• self-protective adjective
• self-protectiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of self-protection

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

“Some relatively minor mods to MQ-9s for self-protection would make them even more effective in this threat environment,” Lee said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

She explains that children often lie instinctively as a form of self-protection to avoid being told off and adults may also lie automatically in moments of panic.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2026

The case popularized the expression “A man’s house is his castle,” which many understand today as a universal right to home and self-protection, regardless of gender, race, or class.

From Slate • Oct. 23, 2025

But Vem Miller, 49, told The Times that he brought two guns for self-protection.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2024

Kate had laughed too—the quickest and best self-protection.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck