- 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
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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.
He claimed that Cuba acted in "legitimate self-defence within its jurisdictional waters".
From BBC • May 20, 2026
This allows Japan to exercise limited self-defence, including supporting allies under attack.
From BBC • May 7, 2026
The court heard how Powell claimed he was acting in self-defence and he has been responding positively during his time in prison.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
Grace said at the time that she had acted in self-defence after she was attacked in the room where Bellarmine and Robert Jr lived.
From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026
But Carlile acted on a resolute sense of self-defence.
From Life and Character of Richard Carlile by Holyoake, George Jacob
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.
