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.
Teams should not have to choose between honesty and self-protection. Teresa Hopke, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 This can occur even before the leaves die as a measure of self-protection. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 2026 Homelessness is what happens when housing scarcity, addiction, mental illness, disorder and bureaucratic self-protection all attend the same policy potluck and nobody brings accountability. Tracy Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026 Rather than performing as defiance against repression, Vahdat sees singing as an act of strength, resilience and self-protection. Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 13 May 2026 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 5 Jun. 2026.

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