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
And the point here was NATO countries need to step up and provide for their self-defense.
—
John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Equating Israel's legitimate acts of self-defense with the atrocities of a terrorist organization like Hamas represents a dangerous moral and legal inversion, undermining the principles of international law and emboldening bad actors who exploit these flawed rulings for propaganda purposes.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
During his trial in March 2001, his lawyer said that Barrow had fired a gun, but in self-defense, per ABC.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
According to Worthy, Michigan's legal standard for using deadly force in self-defense or defense of others looks at whether the person using the force is reasonably in fear of imminent death or great bodily harm to them or someone else.
—Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-defense 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Equating Israel's legitimate acts of self-defense with the atrocities of a terrorist organization like Hamas represents a dangerous moral and legal inversion, undermining the principles of international law and emboldening bad actors who exploit these flawed rulings for propaganda purposes.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
During his trial in March 2001, his lawyer said that Barrow had fired a gun, but in self-defense, per ABC.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
According to Worthy, Michigan's legal standard for using deadly force in self-defense or defense of others looks at whether the person using the force is reasonably in fear of imminent death or great bodily harm to them or someone else.
—Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-defense
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 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share