self-defense
[ self-di-fens, self- ]
/ ˈsɛlf dɪˈfɛns, ˌsɛlf- /
noun
the act of defending one's person when physically attacked, as by countering blows or overcoming an assailant: the art of self-defense.
a claim or plea that the use of force or injuring or killing another was necessary in defending one's own person from physical attack: He shot the man who was trying to stab him and pleaded self-defense at the murder trial.
an act or instance of defending or protecting one's own interests, property, ideas, etc., as by argument or strategy.
Also
especially British,
self-de·fence.
Origin of self-defense
First recorded in 1645–55
OTHER WORDS FROM self-defense
self-de·fen·sive, adjectiveWords nearby self-defense
Example sentences from the Web for self-defence
British Dictionary definitions for self-defence
self-defence
noun
the act of defending oneself, one's actions, ideas, etc
boxing as a means of defending the person (esp in the phrase noble art of self-defence)
law
the right to defend one's person, family, or property against attack or threat of attack by the use of no more force than is reasonable