self-defense

noun

self-de·fense | \ ˌself-di-ˈfen(t)s

Definition of self-defense

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

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Time Traveler for self-defense

The first known use of self-defense was in 1609

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More Definitions for self-defense

self-defense

noun

English Language Learners Definition of self-defense

: the act of defending yourself, your property, etc.

: skills that make you capable of protecting yourself during an attack

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self-defense

noun

self-de·fense | \ ˌself-di-ˈfens\

Kids Definition of self-defense

: someone's act of defending himself or herself or his or her property I acted in self-defense.

self-defense

noun

self-de·fense | \ ˈself-di-ˈfens\

Legal Definition of self-defense

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