self-defence
Britishnoun
-
the act of defending oneself, one's actions, ideas, etc
-
boxing as a means of defending the person (esp in the phrase noble art of self-defence )
-
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
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.
In the face of such developments, it was the "steadfast stand" of the North to "further expand and strengthen the powerful and absolutely reliable deterrent for self-defence", Kim said.
From Barron's ● Jun. 23, 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
Both men denied the charge and said they had acted in lawful self-defence, or in defence of the other.
From BBC ● May 29, 2026
The court heard Price handed himself into police at Mansfield on 11 June, where he issued a prepared statement saying he acted in self-defence.
From BBC ● Apr. 24, 2026
You opposed, you sabotaged—while not repudiating self-defence in principle.
From Dictatorship vs. Democracy (Terrorism and Communism) by Trotzky, Leon Davidovich
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.
