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Webster 1913 Edition


Self-defense

Selfˊ-de-fense′

,
Noun.
The act of defending one’s own person, property, or reputation.
In self-defense
(Law)
,
in protection of self, – it being permitted in law to a party on whom a grave wrong is attempted to resist the wrong, even at the peril of the life of the assailiant.
Wharton.

Webster 1828 Edition


Self-defense

SELF-DEFENSE

,
Noun.
self-defens'. [self and defense.] The act of defending one's own person, property or reputation. A man may be justifiable in killing another in self-defense.

Definition 2024


self-defense

self-defense

English

Alternative forms

Noun

self-defense (uncountable)

  1. The means of defending oneself from physical attack.
  2. (law) The right to protect oneself against violence by using reasonable force, which can be used as justification in several charges including murder, assault, and battery.

Translations