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.
Kelver must now argue her case in court, risking up to 15 years in prison if she cannot convince a jury that she was acting reasonably in self-defense.
From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026
On the way to the police station, Digwa, speaking in Punjabi to his brother, agreed to pretend that he had acted in self-defense.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
The other man armed himself with a hammer in self-defense, police said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 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
And—what is especially relevant here—they avoid fighting even in self-defense.
From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich
