self-defense

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

self- +‎ defense. First used by Hobbes in the 1650s.

Noun

self-defense (usually uncountable, plural self-defenses)

  1. The means of defending oneself from physical attack.
  2. (law) The right to protect oneself against violence by using reasonable force, which can be used as justification in several charges including murder, assault, and battery.

Translations

See also
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