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

Bayne, who trains in jiujitsu and Krav Maga self-defense, said extensive jury trial experience has prepared him to be an effective judge . — Jon Regardie, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Heim held out his arms in self-defense while trying to back away and de-escalate the situation. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2026

Before becoming association president, West performed at the festival in middle school, performing the Japanese self-defense martial art, shorinji kempo. — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2026

Those included negotiations with self-defense forces like the Sierra Nevada one, which emerged following the demobilization of paramilitary groups in the early 2000s. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for self-defense

• antisense
• commonsense
• effulgence
• frankincense
• ninepence
• nondefense
• recommence
• recompence
• recompense
• cense
• dense
• fence

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