self-defense

noun

self-de·​fense ˌself-di-ˈfen(t)s How to pronounce self-defense (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the 5-4 decision simply struck down a city’s ban on having a hand gun at home for self-defense. — Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 The previous year, troubled by the growing belligerence of the internet crowd, Atkin had enrolled in self-defense training in her neighborhood. — Literary Hub, 30 June 2026 Such bans have been passed in response to mass shootings, but gun rights advocates argue that millions of Americans own AR-15s for self-defense. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the confrontation or said whether investigators believe the woman's claim of self-defense. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-defense

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-defense was in 1609

Rhymes for self-defense

See All Rhymes for self-defense

Browse Nearby Words

self-defeating
self-defense
self-defensive
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-defense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-defense. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on self-defense

Nglish: Translation of self-defense for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about self-defense

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