self-defense

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 Cuban government said in a statement that the 1996 shootdown was "legitimate self-defense" against an airspace violation.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

"Put simply, the self-defense system becomes more resilient. Hormones conducive to tissue repair and regeneration may be released and promote the self-healing system's functioning."

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

This could be a Chapter IV mandate adopted by the United Nations Security Council, which includes permission to use force not just in self-defense.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

In 1993, Jackson told Rolling Stone interviewer David Ritz that “Nasty” and “What Have You Done for Me Lately” were born out of a sense of self-defense.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

Of course, all Witchlings were required to learn basic magical self-defense from a very early age.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega