self-defense

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
self-defense
    n 1: the act of defending yourself [syn: {self-defense}, {self-
         defence}, {self-protection}]
from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Self-defense \Self`-de*fense"\, n.
   The act of defending one's own person, property, or
   reputation.
   [1913 Webster]

   {In self-defense} (Law), in protection of self, -- it being
      permitted in law to a party on whom a grave wrong is
      attempted to resist the wrong, even at the peril of the
      life of the assailiant. --Wharton.
      [1913 Webster]
from Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0
18 Moby Thesaurus words for "self-defense":
      avoidance reaction, defence, defense, defense in depth,
      defense mechanism, defenses, deterrent capacity, ego defenses,
      escape mechanism, guard, negative taxis, protection,
      psychological defenses, resistance, self-preservation,
      self-protection, the defensive, ward
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