self-protection

[self-pruh-tek-shuhn, self-]

noun

1. protection of oneself or itself.

self-protection

noun

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-protection¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

“Fear is a powerful motivator, and today we’re seeing how fear can galvanize people into making decisions for their own self-protection,” Brown says.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Murderers, thieves, drug dealers — theirs is the basic instinct of self-protection,” one lawyer said in her opening statement.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Here, the blurring is visual: Sometimes Leonard floats into the past looking like Gere, who wears the character without a shred of self-protection as the lens gawks at his raw skin.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That focus on self-protection is largely overlooked in the negative reactions to 4B in the U.S., but it shouldn't be.

Read more on Salon

America PAC's website says it wants "secure borders", "safe cities", "free speech", "sensible spending", a "fair justice system" and "self-protection".

Read more on BBC