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
Training on principles of personal security and self-defense should executives or their family fear for their physical safety.
—
Control Risks, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
His brother had had a gun, so Wright’s killing him was ruled self-defense.
—The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Municipal restrictions: Many Arizona cities prohibit discharging firearms within city limits, even for self-defense.
—Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 14 July 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, 14 July 2025
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Control Risks, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
His brother had had a gun, so Wright’s killing him was ruled self-defense.
—The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Municipal restrictions: Many Arizona cities prohibit discharging firearms within city limits, even for self-defense.
—Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 14 July 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, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-defense
Cite this Entry
“Self-defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-defense. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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