self-defense

noun

self-de·​fense ˌself-di-ˈfen(t)s How to pronounce self-defense (audio)
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 Guns are cast as a necessary tool of self-defense, not only at home but also in public. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2024 The spiders aren’t aggressive and only bite humans and pets in self-defense or if they’re accidentally sat on. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 28 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for self-defense 

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.

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-defense was in 1609

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 2 Jun. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on self-defense

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