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

Herron claimed self-defense, according to the Los Angeles Times. —Haley Van Horn, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024

Charles Vallow was fatally shot by Vallow Daybell’s brother, Alexander Cox, in 2019, who claimed self-defense. —Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 5 Dec. 2024

Related article Israel denies genocide accusations at top UN court, says war in Gaza is self-defense CNN is asking the Israeli military for reaction to the report and its accusations. —Nada Bashir, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024

Guests can enjoy a murder mystery experience – lasting multiple days – by Mystery Men Productions, take self-defense classes from Adrenaline Self Defense, interact with podcast hosts and more. —Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 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