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

No longer the police chief, he was acquitted in 1984 of wounding a massage parlor operator in a shooting that Skinner again said was in self-defense. —Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2025

Investigators determined the father acted in self-defense, and no charges were filed. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Jan. 2025

For example, incidents could later be classified as self-defense, which would result in the figure declining. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 31 Dec. 2024

Criminal homicides do not include police action shootings, accidental shootings or killings ruled self-defense − which, if included, would bring the total homicide count to more than 200 deaths. —Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 31 Dec. 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