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.

Their defense team said the two acted in lawful self-defense.

From The Wall Street Journal

So the managers take them public in self-defense.

From The Wall Street Journal

But allow me an explanation and a self-defense.

From The Wall Street Journal

The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act obligated Washington to provide the island with arms for its own self-defense.

From The Wall Street Journal

This last comment came from a fellow traveler, ruefully disclosing an act of self-defense many years ago.

From Los Angeles Times