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 the ships are designed for intelligence gathering, they are armed with two AK-630 close-in weapon systems and SA-N-8 surface-to-air missile (SAM) launchers, for last resort self-defense, according to the Army. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 14 Nov. 2025

Abbey claimed that the killing was in self-defense, his attorney said. —Phil Helsel, NBC news, 13 Nov. 2025

Start or join a self-defense group. —Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025

Ukraine’s defense capabilities surprised the world, as local governments organized volunteers, kept supply lines open, and even mobilized self-defense units. —Big Think, 12 Nov. 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