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, 22 June 2026

Harrison’s lawyer, Deputy Public Defender Jared Winter, told jurors that Harrison killed Gormley in self-defense, after noticing a pistol grip Taser on Gormley’s waistband and believing Gormley meant to pull a firearm on him. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 16 June 2026

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

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