self-defense
nounUK /ˌself dɪˈfens/
US /ˌself dɪˈfens/
The act of keeping yourself safe when someone tries to hurt you.
She took a class to learn self-defense.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The legal right to use reasonable force to protect yourself from harm.
He claimed self-defense after the attack.
3. The use of physical skills or techniques to fight off an attacker.
The course teaches basic self-defense moves.
4. In sports, the act of guarding against an opponent's attack.
The team focused on self-defense during the match.