self-defence
noun
the act of defending oneself, one's actions, ideas, etc
self-defensive
-
a word derived from
self-defence.
-
a word derived from
self-defense.
self-defensenounthe act of defending one's person when physically attacked, as by countering blows or overcoming an assailant.
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 policy of continuously strengthening the country's self-defensive nuclear deterrent, as set out by the nation's leader, is an irreversible course that must be implemented without fail," she added.
From Barron's ● Jun. 7, 2026
It said in response in that the missile tests "constitute routine and planned self-defensive measures taken by a sovereign state to defend the national security".
From Reuters ● May 31, 2023
With apologies to Tracee Ellis Ross and Leslie Jordan, Tuesday morning’s Oscar nominations show was a ridiculous, self-defensive mess and, as it turns out, completely unnecessary.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 8, 2022
Despite her self-defensive inclination towards burning bridges, Mitski’s ability and desire to write songs that people connect with has won out.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 23, 2018
The spheres of our companions have, at such periods, a vastly greater influence upon our own than when robust health gives us a repellent and self-defensive energy.
From The Blithedale Romance by Nathaniel Hawthorne
