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
Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the confrontation or said whether investigators believe the woman's claim of self-defense.
—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
The woman who pulled the trigger is claiming self-defense, according to the Broward County Sheriff's Office, which is investigating the shooting.
—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
2 July 2026
The 19-year-old, whose attorneys argued self-defense and are appealing his conviction, was found guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a North Texas high school track meet.
—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 July 2026
Such bans have been passed in response to mass shootings, but gun rights advocates argue that millions of Americans own AR-15s for self-defense.
—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-defense
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Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
The woman who pulled the trigger is claiming self-defense, according to the Broward County Sheriff's Office, which is investigating the shooting.
—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
2 July 2026
The 19-year-old, whose attorneys argued self-defense and are appealing his conviction, was found guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a North Texas high school track meet.
—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 July 2026
Such bans have been passed in response to mass shootings, but gun rights advocates argue that millions of Americans own AR-15s for self-defense.
—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
1 July 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 5 Jul. 2026.
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