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

This of course must be laid to the credit of the local supporters of "the noble art of self-defence," the Brummagem bruisers.

From Project Gutenberg

Happily, if only incidentally, such self-defence involved the championship of the independence of Scotland.

From Project Gutenberg

Suddenly he assumed the offensive where hitherto he had but acted in self-defence, and a most deadly offensive was it.

From Project Gutenberg

They now apprehended a general massacre; and yet Captain Fitzroy prohibited them from arming themselves in self-defence.

From Project Gutenberg

From this date the principle of local responsibility for self-defence has been fully accepted.

From Project Gutenberg