jujitsu

or jiu·jit·su

[ joo-jit-soo ]

noun

1. a method developed in Japan of defending oneself without the use of weapons by using the strength and weight of an adversary to disable him.
2. the use of an opponent's strengths or one's own weaknesses to accomplish one's goals:

   That was a kind of intellectual jujitsu, the way she handily won the debate.

   The town of Vacaville, in a prime example of touristic jujitsu, turned its isolation into an attraction in itself.

verb (used with object)

1. to turn (a situation) to one's advantage by exploiting one's own weaknesses or another's strengths, as in a social or political relationship:

   He deftly jujitsued the conversation to make my knowledge of the subject seem pretentious.

jujitsu

/ dʒuːˈdʒɪtsuː /

noun

1. the traditional Japanese system of unarmed self-defence perfected by the samurai See also judo

Word History and Origins

Origin of jujitsu¹

First recorded in 1870–75; from Japanese jūjitsu, earlier jūjutsu, equivalent to jū “soft” ( judo ) + -jut(u) “technique,” from Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese shù

Word History and Origins

Origin of jujitsu¹

C19: from Japanese, from jū gentleness + jutsu art

Example Sentences

Then, I think about if I’m going to be in a jujitsu class, or if I’m going to be shopping or if I’m going to be on set.

From Los Angeles Times

He said he fills his competitive nature with adventure — he sailed from Florida to Italy as the boat’s captain — and has taken up jujitsu.

From Seattle Times

This one was from the heart of a 20-year-old jujitsu fighter who was last seen at the gym and was found dead in his bed two days later.

From New York Times

Chien brought his background in martial arts — he practices Muay Thai and jujitsu — to Charles but adds that while he spoke some Mandarin, he strived to elevate his language skills for the show.

From Los Angeles Times

Collins, a married father of four, testified that he has been passionate about Brazilian jujitsu for two decades, including teaching grappling tactics to his Army unit.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• judo
• karate
• wrestling