- a variation of self-defense.
self-defence
Britishnoun
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the act of defending oneself, one's actions, ideas, etc
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boxing as a means of defending the person (esp in the phrase noble art of self-defence )
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law the right to defend one's person, family, or property against attack or threat of attack by the use of no more force than is reasonable
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The University of Worcester undergraduate, of Yeadon Close in Redditch, Worcestershire, had been expected to argue he acted in self-defence and had set up the room to film a Dexter tribute for TikTok.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026
Defence spending will account for more than three percent of GDP, "demonstrating Taiwan's resolve to strengthen its self-defence capabilities", Lai said.
From Barron's ● Aug. 17, 2026
A spokesman for Sir Keir later said he had only meant to say Israel had a general right to self-defence.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
The US commitment to Taiwan's security "remains unchanged", Lai said, adding that both sides "share the goal of strengthening security and accelerating efforts to strengthen Taiwan's self-defence capabilities".
From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026
The pride and delicacy of the marquise had always shrunk from upbraiding Clovis with ingratitude, or of using her wealth as a weapon of self-defence.
From The Maid of Honour, Volume 2 (of 3) A Tale of the Dark Days of France by Lewis Wingfield
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
