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

This time, surveillance footage contradicted his self-defense claim, according to prosecutors. —Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025

As bear conflicts with humans are on the rise across Connecticut, bear self-defense products are popular items in outdoor recreation stores, as many residents plan to hike, camp, hunt and fish in the state this summer. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025

Advertisement When Ro-sa’s husband catches back up with them, Ro-sa and Sang-wol kill him in self-defense. —Kayti Burt, Time, 30 June 2025

Israel had a right to self-defense against that incursion and the atrocities perpetrated against its citizens. —Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 26 June 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