autodéfense

self-defence

noun oh-toh-deh-FAHNS Rare

Usage Note

Autodéfense covers both the legal concept of self-defence and martial-arts or practical self-protection training. The phrase légitime défense is the formal legal term used in French law, while autodéfense is more commonly used in everyday and sports contexts.

Examples

"Elle suit un cours d'autodéfense."

Natural Translation

She is taking a self-defence class.

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