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 homicide figures do not include killings that occurred in self-defense or in other circumstances not measured in Chicago police statistics. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026

Yes, the president should seek congressional approval before engaging in military action overseas, except in the most limited cases of immediate self-defense. —Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

In September 2024, Judge Delia Trevino dismissed the murder count, finding that prosecutors had failed to clearly establish the fatal shot came from Henderson’s gun, let alone disprove a self-defense theory. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 1 May 2026

Additionally, security expert Jeff Ketelaars recommends keeping a personal alarm on hand (available at stores that sell self-defense items). —Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 1 May 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