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
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.
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
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
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
In many cases I have withheld much that was personal, because it was not necessary to my purpose, and useless only in self-defence.
From The Second War with England, Vol. 1 of 2 by Headley, Joel Tyler
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.
