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

As with so many Zionophobes, Jewish self-defense is anathema for Caggiano. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026

His implication, perhaps subconscious, is that occasional flashes of partisanship are a form of self-defense. —Peter S. Canellos, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026

During that call, the defendant made no reference to having struck his wife in self-defense, deputy prosecutor Joel Garner said. —Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026

Gerhardt Konig pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defense. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 8 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