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

The Lancet, a respected medical journal, estimates deaths may approach 200,000, leading many to question claims of proportional self-defense. —Ken Barnes, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026

Senate Bill 572 would limit claims of self-defense in situations when law enforcement officers properly identify themselves. —Adam Beam, AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026

Anyone who wants to own a gun for self-defense must be over 21 and pass proficiency tests and background checks. —ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026

Now, prosecutors have to refute a self-defense claim and prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant did not act in self-defense. —Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 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