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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First Known Use of self–defense
1651
SELF–DEFENSE Defined for English Language Learners
self-defense
playDefinition of self–defense for English Language Learners
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: the act of defending yourself, your property, etc.
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: 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
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See words that rhyme with self–defense Spanish Central: Translation of self–defense
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