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

Middle East crisis — explained Iran's top officials condemn U.S. strikes and assert their right to self-defense The governments of Iraq and Qatar both warned the strikes risked destabilizing an already volatile region. —Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 22 June 2025

In a statement Friday morning, Sacramento Regional Transit officials said both teens were involved in the altercation and that the guard, who was not identified, may have acted in self-defense. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025

Noland said that in light of harm coming to paramedics, the fire department, along with local union representatives, are looking at deescalation and self-defense training for employees. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2025

Ultimately, Chips was forced to kill his dad in self-defense. —Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 17 June 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