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

Jurors will decide whether Payton and Martin are guilty of second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter in the women’s deaths; or if they will be found innocent of criminal charges out of self-defense. — Darrell Smith july 16, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

The combat and self-defense competition series, which airs on YouTube and across social media has generated 150M views online and has run for three seasons. — Peter White, Deadline, 17 July 2026

The Department of Homeland Security has said Salgado Araujo was in the country illegally and attempted to run over agents, who shot in self-defense, but has not provided evidence of its claims. — Albinson Linares, NBC news, 17 July 2026

Helen’s famous face has been disfigured, presumably by her angry husband, Menelaus; the sorceress Circe uses her witchcraft in self-defense, seemingly as a result of traumatic encounters with men. — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 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