self-defense

British, self-de·fence

[self-di-fens, self-]

noun

1. the act of defending one's person when physically attacked, as by countering blows or overcoming an assailant.

   the art of self-defense.

2. a claim or plea that the use of force or injuring or killing another was necessary in defending one's own person from physical attack.

   He shot the man who was trying to stab him and pleaded self-defense at the murder trial.

3. an act or instance of defending or protecting one's own interests, property, ideas, etc., as by argument or strategy.

Other Word Forms

• self-defensive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-defense¹

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

“While announcing his ruling holding the defendant to answer, Judge Monguia expressed his opinion that the video did not show self-defense,” the panel wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

“In response to this violent act, a CBP officer was forced to discharge his firearm in self-defense.”

From Los Angeles Times

She’s got her meeting, she’s got her stuff, maybe she even has her impact classes — like, her self-defense classes.

From Los Angeles Times

The fact that Chris shot his father between the eyes was not shocking or in any way a moral turn; given how devoted Auggie was to murdering his son, it’s easy to consider it self-defense.

From Salon

Hochman and his prosecutors have also attacked the idea that the brothers killed in self-defense.

From Los Angeles Times

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