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

But the primary purpose of an ARG-MEU is to project power, often while operating as independent operators, with limited self-defense equipment. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

Maybe the police officer had shot first, and Song had fired in self-defense, or to protect another protester. —Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2026

Rodarte and a Yuba County Sheriff’s Office sergeant last fall were cleared of wrongdoing by Yuba County District Attorney Clint Curry, who found that the duo, part of a larger tactical team at one of several sweeps during the multi-county operation, acted in self-defense. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026

Clips of the incident went viral, and local police concluded on Tuesday that the Reacher star acted in self-defense in the tussle with a man named Ronnie Taylor. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 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