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
Police made arrests in 41 of 2024’s homicides, and another 10 cases were closed through other means, like the death of a suspect or with no charges filed because the killer acted in self-defense.
—
Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 9 Feb. 2025
The state’s attorney’s office, after review, did not approve charges because the shooting was in self-defense, police said.
—Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
It's designed to serve as both a strategic means of self-defense and as a powerful light for outdoors and in.
—New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
The rights to self-defense and noninterference from the U.N. Charter provide a legal basis for safety zones.
—Wayne N White Jr, The Conversation, 31 Jan. 2025
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.
Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 9 Feb. 2025
The state’s attorney’s office, after review, did not approve charges because the shooting was in self-defense, police said.
—Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
It's designed to serve as both a strategic means of self-defense and as a powerful light for outdoors and in.
—New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
The rights to self-defense and noninterference from the U.N. Charter provide a legal basis for safety zones.
—Wayne N White Jr, The Conversation, 31 Jan. 2025
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 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share