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
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, 4 Nov. 2024
The indictments include Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira and Jefferson da Silva Lima, who admitted to the killings but argued self-defense.
—Matthew Impelli, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
The agency, with little to dispute Williams’ claims of self-defense, closed the case, ruling that Snipes’ vote was not a factor in his killing.
—Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
Leslie Reeves, who had a master's degree in engineering, chose instead to teach Pilates and to promote self-defense classes for women.
—Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-defense 
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Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024
The indictments include Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira and Jefferson da Silva Lima, who admitted to the killings but argued self-defense.
—Matthew Impelli, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
The agency, with little to dispute Williams’ claims of self-defense, closed the case, ruling that Snipes’ vote was not a factor in his killing.
—Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
Leslie Reeves, who had a master's degree in engineering, chose instead to teach Pilates and to promote self-defense classes for women.
—Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 2 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 23 Nov. 2024.
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