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

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Etymology

Origin of self-protection

First recorded in 1855–60

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

self-protection

Within industries, as a supply-chain crisis unfolds, fear and self-protection instincts kick in, with hoarding and company-level stockpiling resulting in confusing demand signals that make it hard for upstream producers to respond.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 3, 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

Women will often align themselves with the dominant person in a room as a form of self-protection, she explained.

From Salon ● Nov. 21, 2025

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

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

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

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