Defensive Aggression

Defensive aggression is the exhibition of hostile behavior in response to a threatening situation. This concept is often linked with animal behavior when scared, especially when encountering predators.

For instance, dogs often growl or bite when they feel that they cannot escape a dangerous situation. Regarding humans, individuals sometimes act aggressively on impulse without the intention of harming others but merely to protect themselves. For example, in one case, a nanny, in self-defense, stabbed her employer who almost raped her.