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
How far do Texas self-defense laws go?
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Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
The homicide figures do not include killings that occurred in self-defense or in other circumstances not measured in Chicago police statistics.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
At some point, when Vaughan likely reached up in self-defense, Smith said, Hawthorne bit the tip of his thumb off and spit it out.
—Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2025
According to court documents, a suspect, whose name was redacted, told detectives the shooting was in self-defense.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-defense
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Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
The homicide figures do not include killings that occurred in self-defense or in other circumstances not measured in Chicago police statistics.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
At some point, when Vaughan likely reached up in self-defense, Smith said, Hawthorne bit the tip of his thumb off and spit it out.
—Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2025
According to court documents, a suspect, whose name was redacted, told detectives the shooting was in self-defense.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-defense
Cite this Entry
“Self-defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-defense. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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