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

And the point here was NATO countries need to step up and provide for their self-defense. —John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Equating Israel's legitimate acts of self-defense with the atrocities of a terrorist organization like Hamas represents a dangerous moral and legal inversion, undermining the principles of international law and emboldening bad actors who exploit these flawed rulings for propaganda purposes. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

During his trial in March 2001, his lawyer said that Barrow had fired a gun, but in self-defense, per ABC. —Nicole Briese, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024

According to Worthy, Michigan's legal standard for using deadly force in self-defense or defense of others looks at whether the person using the force is reasonably in fear of imminent death or great bodily harm to them or someone else. —Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 13 Nov. 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