privatedefense
nounUK /ˈpraɪvɪt dɪˈfɛns/
US /ˈpraɪvɪt dɪˈfɛns/
Keeping yourself safe without help from the police or the government.
He took a class in private defense to learn how to protect himself.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The legal right to protect yourself or your property using reasonable force.
The court ruled that the homeowner acted in private defense when he stopped the intruder.
3. A company or group that provides security services for paying clients.
The museum hired a private defense firm to guard the paintings at night.
4. A personal strategy for protecting your own interests or reputation.
Her calm reply was a kind of private defense against the rumors.