karate

[kuh-rah-tee] /kəˈrɑ ti/
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.
Origin
1950-55; < Japanese, equivalent to kara empty + te (earlier *tai) hand(s)
Examples from the web for karate
  • But you understand that fingers are not used in boxing or karate.
  • For one thing, they all know karate and can break railroad ties with their bare hands.
  • His karate teacher began to notice a dramatic and progressive loss of coordination.
  • Few things in life offer more visceral proof of the power of physics than a karate chop.
  • Remember if you read karate manual it is not enough to become even a beginner in karate, you have to practice for a while.
  • The variety is astonishing: tap-dancing routines, karate demonstrations and music videos.
  • Beachwear gets a modern update, with the designer favoring sporty karate pants over sweats.
  • Police officers are required to protect people who cannot afford guns or karate lessons.
British Dictionary definitions for karate

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 Origin
Japanese, literally: empty hand, from kara empty + te hand
Word Origin and History for karate
n.

1955, Japanese, literally "empty hand, bare hand," from kara "empty" + te "hand." A devotee is a karateka.