Self-defense
Pronunciation : Self`-de*fense"
Part of Speech : n.
Definition : Defn: The act of defending one's own person, property, or reputation. In self-defense (Law), 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. Wharton.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913