self-defence

noun

the act of defending oneself, one's actions, ideas, etc
boxing as a means of defending the person (esp in the phrase noble art of self-defence )
law the right to defend one's person, family, or property against attack or threat of attack by the use of no more force than is reasonable

This of course must be laid to the credit of the local supporters of "the noble art of self-defence," the Brummagem bruisers.

Happily, if only incidentally, such self-defence involved the championship of the independence of Scotland.

Suddenly he assumed the offensive where hitherto he had but acted in self-defence, and a most deadly offensive was it.

They now apprehended a general massacre; and yet Captain Fitzroy prohibited them from arming themselves in self-defence.

From this date the principle of local responsibility for self-defence has been fully accepted.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse