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

Moody rejected Dooley’s claim of self-defense under Florida’s stand your ground law. —Dan Sullivan, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025

The force in Lebanon operates under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, which restricts its use of force to little more than self-defense, constraining its ability to fulfill its mandate. —Nir Arielli, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025

Peace confines violence to self-defense in vindication of the right of self-preservation. —Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2025

Originally Published: January 14, 2025 at 7:00 AM EST Most Popular Most Popular Suspect surrenders in fatal stab of Staten Island mom in 20-women brawl, claims self-defense Man, 32, stabbed to death by girlfriend in Bronx apartment: NYPD Not in my backyard. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025

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