self-defense
UK/selfdi'fens/US
IELTS
Definitions
n.
The act of protecting oneself from attack
自卫，保护自己免受攻击的行为
n.
(law) a recognized justification for using force to protect oneself
（法律）正当防卫，使用武力保护自己的法定正当理由
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedself-one's own person or thing
+
defenseroot
=self-defense
self- (oneself) + defense (protection). Protecting your own person rather than someone else. In law it becomes a precise justification: acting 'in self-defense' can make an otherwise unlawful act lawful.
Usage Guide
Spelling splits by region: self-defense (US) / self-defence (UK). Common as 'in self-defense' (the legal/justifying phrase) and as a field of training ('a self-defense class').
Example Sentences
- 1.
She took a self-defense class after moving to the city.
- 2.
The court ruled that he had acted in self-defense.
- 3.
Carrying the spray was purely a matter of self-defense.