self-protection; self-preservation
Refers to protecting or preserving oneself, often used in contexts like psychology, survival, or risk management.
The instinct for self-preservation kicked in.
He lied for self-protection.
自己防衛 emphasizes defense against external threats, while 自己保全 is broader, including maintaining one's well-being or existence.
Compound of 自己 (self) and 保全 (preservation, protection). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word follows standard Sino-Japanese word formation patterns.