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, 27 Apr. 2026

International law and the just war tradition uphold states’ right to self-defense. —Valerie Morkevicius, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026

The Homeland Security Department that oversees ICE says the agent acted in self-defense. —Morgan Lee, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026

In self-defense, Theron's mother shot the man. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026

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