karate

noun ka·ra·te \kə-ˈrä-tē\

: a form of fighting that was developed in Japan in which your feet and hands are used to kick and hit an opponent : a Japanese martial art

Full Definition of KARATE

: a Japanese art of self-defense employing hand strikes and kicks to disable or subdue an opponent

— ka·ra·te·ist \-tē-ist\ noun

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Japanese, from kara empty + te hand

First Known Use: 1947

KARATE Defined for Kids

noun ka·ra·te \kə-ˈrä-tē\

: an art of self-defense developed in Japan in which an attacker is defeated by kicks and punches

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