in self-defense
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The other man armed himself with a hammer in self-defense, police said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026
Immunity hearings are typically held in criminal court, where killers facing charges have the chance to argue before a judge that they acted in self-defense.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026
His lawyer denied the allegations and said the agent shot in self-defense.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2026
In the case of Good, ICE has maintained the narrative that they were acting in self-defense, even though they had surrounded her vehicle and threatened her before she attempted to drive away.
From Salon • Jan. 17, 2026
The salad master raised a frying pan in self-defense.
From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer
