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

The homicide figures do not include killings that occurred in self-defense or in other circumstances not measured in Chicago police statistics. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025

In a meeting with reporters on Thursday, officials with the prosecutor’s office discussed general facts of Missouri’s self-defense and use-of-force law. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025

The 13-year-old may make a self-defense case, but family members say doing so would be outrageous. —Julia Prodis Sulek, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2025

Geragos countered Hochman’s take that the brothers claimed self-defense. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 11 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