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

At least four were deemed shootings in self-defense. —David Clarey, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2025

The Brazilian fitness buff owns a studio teaching self-defense classes in North Miami Beach with his brothers. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025

At Campos Rodas’ preliminary hearing, Deputy District Attorney Margaret Roe threw cold water on the self-defense theory. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2025

That particular storyline feels very current, touching on issues surrounding trans people, military service, and armed self-defense. —Katie Rife, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2025

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