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
These include physical resilience, self-defense, marksmanship, map reading, and military law.
—
Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
Except for immediate self-defense, the president must get Congress’s approval before military action abroad, ensuring accountability and shared responsibility.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
Crowley-Sanders was assaulted by a group of women in the restroom and fired her gun in self-defense, ending the altercation, according to the lawsuit.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026
And any claim of self-defense by Tomlyn or Chloe could be bolstered by Bullock’s prior domestic violence charge, Falk added.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-defense
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Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
Except for immediate self-defense, the president must get Congress’s approval before military action abroad, ensuring accountability and shared responsibility.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
Crowley-Sanders was assaulted by a group of women in the restroom and fired her gun in self-defense, ending the altercation, according to the lawsuit.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026
And any claim of self-defense by Tomlyn or Chloe could be bolstered by Bullock’s prior domestic violence charge, Falk added.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026
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 14 Feb. 2026.
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