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Self-Defense: Definition, Examples & Usage Guide
Meaning 1：protection of oneself (self-defense)
self-defense
/ˌself dɪˈfens/
n.
the act of protecting yourself from harm when someone attacks you, which is often legally allowed.
protection of oneself
➕
/prəˈtekʃən əv wʌnˈself/
n.
The legal or practical act of using reasonable force to prevent harm to oneself when under threat or attack.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
self- + defense, from Latin 'defendere' meaning 'to ward off'.
💡 Mnemonic
When you defend yourself, you make a 'self' that is a 'fence' to keep danger out.
📖 Example
The lawyer argued that his client's actions were a clear case of self-defense against an unprovoked attack.
The lawyer argued that his client's actions were a clear case of self-defense against an unprovoked attack.
🔗 Collocations
claim self-defense – to assert that one's actions were necessary for personal protection
act in self-defense – to take defensive action to prevent harm
self-defense training – instruction in techniques for personal protection
🔄 Synonyms
self-protection (n.) – the act of keeping oneself safe from harm
defense (n.) – the action of protecting someone or something
justification (n.) – the reason or excuse for an action, often in legal context
🚫 Antonyms
aggression (n.) – hostile or violent behavior toward others
attack (n.) – an act of violence intended to cause harm
🌱 Derivatives
self-defender (n.) – a person who acts in self-defense
self-defensive (adj.) – relating to the defense of oneself
self-defensiveness (n.) – the state of being ready to defend oneself
📖 Cultural Story
Self-defense is a legal concept rooted in English common law, allowing proportionate force to protect oneself from harm, often cited in court.
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