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

Asked about the verdict, which was criticized by those who defend Anthony's actions as self-defense, the judge said the jury reached the correct decision. —Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 14 June 2026

The case, which began with a confrontation between two teenagers under a team tent, quickly grew into a national flashpoint that drew intense public scrutiny and competing claims of self-defense. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026

The manager then reportedly pushed the woman away in self-defense, leading to the confrontation escalating on the jet bridge. —Dan Raby, CBS News, 12 June 2026

The jury rejected both self-defense and sudden passion arguments in the case. —Star-Telegram Staff, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for self-defense

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

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