防卫 fángwèi to defend
to defend; defensive; defense
How to remember 防卫: 防 to protect + 卫 to guard = to defend.
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How it is used
- To defend oneself/something, especially in a legal or personal-safety sense - 正当防卫 (zhèngdàng fángwèi) legitimate self-defense.
- Register is formal; strongly associated with the legal term 正当防卫 and with security (防卫系统).
- Compare 防御 (military/strategic defense) and 防守 (guarding in sports/battle) - 防卫 centers on warding off an attack on oneself.