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

While nations may act in self-defense or with another country’s consent, maritime strikes on non-state actors could invite diplomatic backlash unless justified by clear evidence of an imminent threat. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025

Or that physical force should only be used in self-defense, such as taking down a gunman at a political event. —Adam Bai, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025

Yuba County District Attorney Clint Curry announced in early October that Rodarte and Trumm acted in self-defense and cleared them of potential wrongdoing. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2025

Police did not confirm if self-defense laws apply in Friday's case, according to the report. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 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