obrona

Obrona is a Polish noun meaning defense, protection, or the act of defending someone or something. It is used in a variety of contexts, from military and civil protection to law and everyday language. The term is derived from the verb bronić (to defend) and the prefix o-, forming a general concept of safeguarding.

In military and state contexts, obrona refers to the defense of territory, installations, or populations. It encompasses strategies, forces, and measures aimed at deterring aggression and repelling attacks. Poland maintains organized forms of obrona at different levels, including national defense and local or territorial efforts. Civil defense (obrona cywilna) denotes state-organized preparations to protect civilians in emergencies such as natural disasters, accidents, or armed conflict, including warning systems, evacuations, and shelter programs.

In legal and judicial contexts, obrona denotes the defense of a person accused of a crime. This includes the legal arguments, evidence, and procedures used to protect the rights of the accused, often carried out by a defense attorney (obrońca) and the defense team. The term appears in phrases such as obrona oskarżonego (defense of the accused).

Historically, obrona has appeared in references to notable defensive actions, such as the defense of Westerplatte or the defense of Lwów, which are cited as examples of collective or regional resistance.

In everyday usage, obrona can also refer to general protection or safeguarding of assets, information, or values, extending beyond military or legal domains.