SINCE 1828
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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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
See the full definition for self-defense in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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
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