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

In a response filed with the court, La Gran Plaza’s owners and management also denied the allegations and argued the guards’ actions were justified and in self-defense. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2024

Indeed, in granting permission, U.S. officials said the weapons should only be used in self-defense in the border region. —Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 31 May 2024

Police were investigating claims that Cox shot his brother-in-law in self-defense when Cox died from natural causes months after the fatal shooting. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 30 May 2024

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

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