self-defence

noun

1. the act of defending oneself, one's actions, ideas, etc
2. boxing as a means of defending the person (esp in the phrase noble art of self-defence )
3. 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

Derived Forms

• ˌself-deˈfensive, adjective

Example Sentences

He had made unsolicited comments that he had acted in self-defence and had "prayed to God the deceased would be all right".

From BBC

But the group said its ambulance staff were also assaulted in the incident by "law enforcement officers and members of a self-defence group".

From BBC

The jury’s been shown police body worn camera footage in which Mr Thomas, wearing a heavily blood stained top, told police he had been hurt and was acting in self-defence.

From BBC

Also well-known for his close ties to Moscow, his reluctance to impose sanctions on Russia and to provide self-defence weapons to Ukraine.

From BBC

That is the hope of Britain’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who fell in behind America’s insistence that Israel has acted in self-defence.

From BBC