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
Her friend is claiming self-defense, but an uncompromising prosecutor thinks otherwise.
—
Lexi Carson, Variety, 17 May 2024
The organization began as an effort to combat police brutality, putting its members on patrol on the streets where minority communities lived, as a type of self-defense.
—Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 17 May 2024
Before sentencing in the case, Carlson aired a broadcast calling the shooting an act of self-defense and criticizing Abbott for not coming on his show.
—Jim Vertuno, Fortune, 16 May 2024
Day, who claimed the act was in self-defense after Loeb had tormented him for months, was acquitted by a jury for Loeb’s death on June 4, 1936.
—Marianne Mather, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2024
The jury reviewed video of the July 25 confrontation during their deliberations, according to an alternate juror, and considered the self-defense argument.
—J. David Goodman, New York Times, 16 May 2024
During the trial, Judge Ryan Hill wouldn’t allow jurors to consider self-defense in their deliberations.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2024
Both brothers alleged in court that they had been abused and had acted in self-defense, but they were ultimately sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 14 May 2024
Gracie University also offers various self-defense and Jiu-Jitsu courses online for people at all levels.
—Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 11 May 2024
Lexi Carson, Variety, 17 May 2024
The organization began as an effort to combat police brutality, putting its members on patrol on the streets where minority communities lived, as a type of self-defense.
—Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 17 May 2024
Before sentencing in the case, Carlson aired a broadcast calling the shooting an act of self-defense and criticizing Abbott for not coming on his show.
—Jim Vertuno, Fortune, 16 May 2024
Day, who claimed the act was in self-defense after Loeb had tormented him for months, was acquitted by a jury for Loeb’s death on June 4, 1936.
—Marianne Mather, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2024
The jury reviewed video of the July 25 confrontation during their deliberations, according to an alternate juror, and considered the self-defense argument.
—J. David Goodman, New York Times, 16 May 2024
During the trial, Judge Ryan Hill wouldn’t allow jurors to consider self-defense in their deliberations.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2024
Both brothers alleged in court that they had been abused and had acted in self-defense, but they were ultimately sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 14 May 2024
Gracie University also offers various self-defense and Jiu-Jitsu courses online for people at all levels.
—Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 11 May 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-defense.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near self-defense
Cite this Entry
“Self-defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-defense. Accessed 21 May. 2024.
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