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

Before 2001, legitimate self-defense under international law was generally understood to apply only when one country was defending an attack from another. —Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024

In the Jackson County prosecutor’s office, one key factor Baker views as a driver of violence is the confluence of lax gun laws with the expansion of self-defense law. —Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2024

The Nashville District Attorney’s Office determined the shooting was done in self-defense and the homeowner is not expected to face charges, officials said. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2024

Kue and Marroquin were found to have acted in self-defense, while Gaddis was charged with crimes that included assault with a dangerous weapon, for allegedly pointing a gun at cops. —Detroit Free Press, 21 Apr. 2024

Cox initially claimed the shooting was self-defense, but authorities later alleged that Cox and Vallow Daybell conspired to kill Charles Vallow, and Vallow Daybell has been charged in Arizona with conspiracy to commit murder. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 18 Apr. 2024

For millions of Americans, guns are a dangerous but acceptable tool for self-defense or sport — something to be handled only by those who meet a baseline level of lawful responsibility. —Francis Wilkinson, The Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2024

After waiving a right to a jury trial, Sanders’ attorney reportedly claimed that his client had acted in self-defense. —Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2024

At least two members of the cabinet argued at the time of the Iranian attack that Israel should respond immediately, two Israeli officials said, arguing that a rapid response in self-defense would give such a counterstrike obvious legitimacy. —Russell Goldman, New York Times, 16 Apr. 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