self-protection

[ self-pruh-tek-shuh n, self- ]

/ ˈsɛlf prəˈtɛk ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

protection of oneself or itself.

Origin of self-protection

First recorded in 1855–60

self-pro·tect·ing, adjective self-pro·tec·tive, adjective self-pro·tec·tive·ness, noun

Most gun nuts have them less for self-protection than self-projection.

Brooklyn Shooting Hits Close to Bill de Blasio’s Park Slope Home |Michael Daly |July 1, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
I completely support the right of law-abiding citizens to own and use guns for sport and self-protection.

The Chipotle Anti-Gun ‘Scandal’ Has the Right Up in Arms |Sally Kohn |May 20, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
McLelland was a “good guy with a gun,” an Army veteran who carried a gun for self-protection.

Pro-Gun Absolutism: The Gun Lobby’s Push to Privatize Law and Order |Will Marshall |April 9, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
In reaction, millions of Americans turned to guns for self-protection.

David's Bookclub: Private Guns, Public Health |David Frum |March 31, 2013 |DAILY BEAST

Too often in our history, guns intended for self-protection were turned on fellow citizens.

Praying While Packing Heat and Other Unwieldy American Traditions |Jack Schwartz |February 18, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
Some believe that we must also educate him for self-protection from vice and disease.

The Journal of Negro History, Volume 5, 1920 |Various
The right woman in the right place, and with Lamb helped form a trio that stood for harmony and self-protection.

The Lady Doc |Caroline Lockhart
The first call was made by the Russian functionaries, as stated in the text, for the purpose of self-protection!

The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 17, Issue 495, June 25, 1831 |Various
He had done a serious thing, even though in self-protection.

The Pony Rider Boys in New Mexico |Frank Gee Patchin
I refer to the military organization, which was created by the political society in the interest of self-protection.

Elements of Folk Psychology |Wilhelm Wundt

self-protection

the act or an instance of protecting or defending oneself

self-protective, adjective