self-protection

noun

self-pro·​tec·​tion ˌself-prə-ˈtek-shən How to pronounce self-protection (audio)
plural self-protections
: the act of protecting oneself, one's property, or one's group : self-defense
kept a bat under the bed for self-protection
… found that conflict-affected communities often develop sophisticated self-protection strategies …Lisa Fuller
GEMINI … A painful past makes you guard your feelings, but such self-protection can lead to isolation and missed opportunities.Harper's Bazaar
sometimes used before another noun
self-protection techniques
a self-protection seminar

Examples of self-protection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Marroquín then personally escorted him to the border with Guatemala and gave him a firearm for self-protection. Danielle MacKey, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025 Still, what is often thought of as a form of self-protection is also a personal threat. Olivia Rockeman, Time, 16 Apr. 2025 While this is kind of a form of self-protection or protecting others, responding with another aggression before considering alternatives may result in unexpected consequences. Naira Velumyan, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 What looks like indifference is often a form of emotional self-protection, Astle says. Judy Lagrou, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-protection

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-protection was in 1635

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Cite this Entry

“Self-protection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-protection. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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