self-defense

[self-di-fens, self-] / ˈsɛlf dɪˈfɛns, ˌsɛlf- /

NOUN

protection

Synonyms

STRONGEST

conservation insurance preservation safeguard safety security shelter stability

STRONG

aegis armament armor assurance barrier buffer bulwark camouflage certainty charge cover custody defense fix guard invulnerability reassurance refuge safekeeping salvation screen shield strength surety tutelage umbrella ward

WEAK

guarding protecting wardship

Antonyms

STRONGEST

danger destruction insecurity

STRONG

doubt uncertainty

WEAK

attack harm hurt injury threat

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.

Kelver must now argue her case in court, risking up to 15 years in prison if she cannot convince a jury that she was acting reasonably in self-defense.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026

Palacios’ attorney has said he acted in self-defense.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

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

Then, muffled voices, her mother's rising in anger, in persuasion, her father's deeper murmurs of explanation and self-defense.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

self-defense

Example Sentences

Related Words