-
Trending Now:
More Trending:
- scaramouch non sequitur admiral's mast calumny kakistocracy
- ALL
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
Read the Latest from M-W
First Known Use of self–defense
1651
SELF–DEFENSE Defined for English Language Learners
self-defense
playDefinition of self–defense for English Language Learners
-
: the act of defending yourself, your property, etc.
-
: skills that make you capable of protecting yourself during an attack
SELF–DEFENSE Defined for Kids
self–defense
playDefinition of self–defense for Students
: someone's act of defending himself or herself or his or her property I acted in self-defense.
Law Dictionary
self–defense
playLegal 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 2
Learn More about self–defense
-
See words that rhyme with self–defense Spanish Central: Translation of self–defense
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up self–defense? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!