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

In a 7-2 decision, the Court upheld the law as a matter of self-defense, reasoning that restrictions on individuals can be justified for the public health of the community. —Helen L. Murphey / Made By History, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025

That choice went beyond self-defense and warranted incarceration. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Jan. 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, 24 Jan. 2025

Lawyers for the traffic cop said the Supreme Court has long recognized that any earlier missteps by an officer do not strip them of the right to self-defense thereafter. —Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025

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