D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Self-defense

/sĕlˌ-fdĭf-ĕns'/ · Self·-de·fense · IPA /sˌɛlfdɪfˈɛns/
01 n. The act of defending one's own person, property, or reputation.
  1. 1.
    The act of defending one's own person, property, or reputation.
Phrases & compounds
In self-defense — 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.