When it comes to the phrase "in self defense," there are many different words and phrases that can be used to convey the same meaning. Some possible synonyms include "in protection," "for personal safety," "out of necessity," "in defense of oneself," "as a defensive measure," and "to safeguard oneself." All of these options can be used to describe situations where an individual is acting in order to protect themselves from harm, whether that harm comes from another person, an animal, or any other potential danger. By using different words to describe the same concept, you can add variety and nuance to your writing or speech.