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

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

The Wall Street Journal revealed in a series of articles last year that police overlooked or ignored evidence that raised questions about the self-defense claim and the integrity of the investigation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The second mate had fought the idea like a harpooned whale, but he had had to learn, in self-defense.

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham