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

The other man armed himself with a hammer in self-defense, police said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 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

I feel the wall of her self-defense begin to crumble.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein