self-defense

noun

self-de·​fense ˌself-di-ˈfen(t)s 

1

: a plea of justification for the use of force or for homicide

2

: the act of defending oneself, one's property, or a close relative

Examples of self-defense in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Guns are cast as a necessary tool of self-defense, not only at home but also in public. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2024

The spiders aren’t aggressive and only bite humans and pets in self-defense or if they’re accidentally sat on. —Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 28 May 2024

It can also be used for self-defense against humans when traveling solo – especially when hiking alone or camping. —Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2024

Decades after Trayvon’s death, self-defense law still questioned The still-controversial Stand Your Ground law that was used to get Martinez off the hook was passed in 2005. —Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 23 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

self-defense

noun

self-de·​fense

ˌself-di-ˈfen(t)s

: the act of defending oneself, one's property, or a close relative

Legal Definition

self-defense

noun

self-de·​fense

ˈself-di-ˈfens

1

: the use of force to defend oneself

2

: an affirmative defense (as to a murder charge) alleging that the defendant used force necessarily to protect himself or herself because of a reasonable belief that the other party intended to inflict great bodily harm or death see also justification sense 2