self-defense
Meaning
The act of protecting yourself from attack or harm, especially by using physical force.
Structure
Usage
She took a course in self-defense to feel safer walking alone at night.
The lawyer argued that his client acted in self-defense.
Many animals have natural mechanisms for self-defense.
Etymology
The compound "self-defense" is a transparent combination of two deeply rooted English words. "Self" originates from Proto-Germanic selbaz, carrying the core meaning of one's own identity or person. "Defense" traces back to the Latin verb 'defendere', meaning "to ward off, protect," itself formed from 'de-' (off, away) and '-fendere' (to strike). The concept literally means "the protection of one's own person." Historically and legally, this specific compound crystallized to describe the justification for using reasonable force against an imminent threat, evolving from a physical description into a recognized legal and ethical principle.
Analysis
self: From Old English 'self', 'seolf', 'sylf', meaning "one's own person." It functions as a prefix denoting something done by, to, or for oneself. defense: From Latin 'defensa', meaning "a warding off, protection," via Old French 'defense'. It functions as the core noun indicating the act of protecting.