self-defense group; vigilante group
Refers to an organized group formed by civilians for self-defense, often in a local community or during conflict.
The villagers formed a self-defense group and started night patrols.
Rarely used as an abstract noun for the act of protecting oneself; the group sense is far more common.
In this context, 自衛団 can refer to the concept of self-protection, but it is not common.
自警団 is a similar term for a vigilante or neighborhood watch group, often used interchangeably with 自衛団.
Compound of 自衛 (self-defense) and 団 (group). The term likely emerged in the early 20th century to describe civilian defense organizations.