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
Other Word Forms
- self-defensive adjective
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.
Under the deal, Israel retains its "right to take all necessary measures in self-defence, at any time, against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks".
From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026
Williams' account of "self-defence" simply couldn't be true.
From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026
He argued that while Duterte used "bluster and hyperbole" in his speeches, he also frequently ordered authorities only to shoot in self-defence.
From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026
Hehir, who left the bus to chase the thief, has previously explained that he struck him in an act of self-defence after the thief tried to hit him.
From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026
Take from virtue the right of self-defence and vice becomes the master of the world.
From The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 6 (of 12) Dresden Edition?Discussions by Ingersoll, Robert Green
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
