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

Protecting yourself and your loved ones is important, and that includes from the danger of your own self-defense tools. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2024

Durst admitted to killing his neighbor Black in self-defense and was found not guilty by a jury. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2024

The Arms Export Control Act requires that countries getting U.S. military aid use it only for legitimate self-defense and internal security. —Suriya Jayanti, TIME, 21 Sep. 2024

Erik, 53, trashed the portrayals of himself and Lyle, 56, who claim they were abused by their parents and had murdered them in self-defense. —Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

self-defense

noun

self-de·​fense

ˌself-di-ˈfen(t)s

: the act of defending oneself, one's property, or a close relative

Legal Definition

self-defense

noun

self-de·​fense

ˈself-di-ˈfens

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