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

Singh was found near the entrance to the apartment and subsequently claimed self-defense, according to the DA’s office statement. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026

Her attorneys had previously argued that Clenney acted in self-defense during a domestic dispute. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 31 July 2026

He and Fuji are assigned to a unit of American soldiers sent to bolster this country’s self-defense. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Although neither would justify a homicide, experts believe the defense could be laying the foundation for a self-defense or crime-of-passion argument that could lessen the murder charge to manslaughter. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 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