karate

[ kuh-rah-tee ]

noun

1. a method developed in Japan of defending oneself without the use of weapons by striking sensitive areas on an attacker's body with the hands, elbows, knees, or feet. Compare judo, jujitsu.
2. a sport based on this method of self-defense.

karate

/ kəˈrɑːtɪ /

noun

1. 1. a traditional Japanese system of unarmed combat, employing smashes, chops, kicks, etc, made with the hands, feet, elbows, or legs
   2. ( as modifier )

      a karate chop to the head

Word History and Origins

Origin of karate¹

1950–55; < Japanese, equivalent to kara empty + te (earlier *tai ) hand(s)

Word History and Origins

Origin of karate¹

Japanese, literally: empty hand, from kara empty + te hand

Example Sentences

When we got a new consigner, I was really excited, because I had seen these karate pants before in other fabrications, but I never saw them in this snakeskin.

From Los Angeles Times

"I went to karate school, and we illegally went into nightclubs, to make a little money break-dancing," he told us.

From BBC

“Put your kids in karate, people,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

He said the event was "not going to be just music" and could include sideshows like a live karate combat pit.

From BBC

The Refugee Olympic Team first competed at Rio in 2016, but prior to this year's Games the team's best result were two fifth-placed finishes in Tokyo through Hamoon Derafshipour in karate and Kimia Alizadeh in taekwondo.

From BBC

Related Words

• judo
• wrestling