self-defence

UK:^*^*UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations/ˌsɛlfdɪˈfɛns/

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

self-defence, US self-defense n

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)
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

ˌself-deˈfensive adj

ˈself-deˈfense, n. [uncountable]

the act of defending one's person by force:The police officer shot the robber in self-defense.
an act or instance of protecting one's own interests, etc., as by argument:"I was just trying to help,'' he muttered in self-defense.

Also,[esp. Brit.,] ˈself-deˈfence.

self-de•fense (self′di fens′, self′-),USA pronunciation n.

the act of defending one's person when physically attacked, as by countering blows or overcoming an assailant:the art of self-defense.
a claim or plea that the use of force or injuring or killing another was necessary in defending one's own person from physical attack:He shot the man who was trying to stab him and pleaded self-defense at the murder trial.
an act or instance of defending or protecting one's own interests, property, ideas, etc., as by argument or strategy.

Also,[esp. Brit.,] self′-de•fence′.

self′-de•fen′sive, adj.

'self-defence' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):

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