self-defense

noun

self-de·​fense ˌself-di-ˈfen(t)s 

1

: a plea of justification for the use of force or for homicide

2

: the act of defending oneself, one's property, or a close relative

Examples of self-defense in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This self-defense alarm lets out a siren of up to 130 decibels in addition to a flashing light in case of danger. —Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 30 Mar. 2025

Reeling, perhaps even fearful, Europe may have finally come to its senses over its self-defense needs in the era of Trump. —Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025

Guns are not allowed as a self-defense measure for county bus drivers, said Juan Mendieta, a spokesperson for Miami-Dade’s Department of Transportation and Public Works. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2025

In a motion to set John’s bail to $40,000, deputy public defender Desiree Woods argued there was a possible self-defense case based on the police investigation’s conclusions. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for self-defense

• antisense
• commonsense
• effulgence
• frankincense
• ninepence
• nondefense
• penitence
• recommence
• recompence
• recompense
• cense
• dense

Kids Definition

self-defense

noun

self-de·​fense

ˌself-di-ˈfen(t)s

: the act of defending oneself, one's property, or a close relative

Legal Definition

self-defense

noun

self-de·​fense

ˈself-di-ˈfens

1

: the use of force to defend oneself

2

: an affirmative defense (as to a murder charge) alleging that the defendant used force necessarily to protect himself or herself because of a reasonable belief that the other party intended to inflict great bodily harm or death see also justification sense 2