self-defense: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “self-defense” mean?
The act of protecting oneself from physical harm or attack.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of protecting oneself from physical harm or attack.
The legal justification for using reasonable force to protect oneself or others from imminent harm; also used metaphorically for protecting one's reputation, rights, or interests.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English prefers the hyphenated form 'self-defence' (with a 'c'), while American English uses 'self-defense' (with an 's'). The concept and legal principles are largely identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries connotations of legality, justification, and necessity. Slightly more associated with formal training (e.g., classes) in AmE.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both varieties due to legal, news, and personal safety contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “self-defense” in a Sentence
[verb] in self-defenseself-defense against [noun]the self-defense of [noun][noun] for self-defenseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-defense” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'self-defence' is not a verb. Use 'defend oneself'.
American English
- N/A - 'self-defense' is not a verb. Use 'defend oneself'.
adverb
British English
- N/A - No standard adverbial form. Use 'in self-defence'.
- N/A
American English
- N/A - No standard adverbial form. Use 'in self-defense'.
- N/A
adjective
British English
- He attended a self-defence course.
- The self-defence argument was accepted by the court.
American English
- She showed a valid self-defense claim.
- He carries a self-defense spray.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might be used metaphorically for protecting market share: 'The merger was a move in self-defense against the competitor.'
Academic
Common in law, psychology (e.g., defense mechanisms), and political science journals.
Everyday
Common in discussions about personal safety, news reports of violent incidents, and martial arts.
Technical
Precise legal term with specific criteria (imminence, proportionality, reasonableness).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-defense”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-defense”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-defense”
- Misspelling as 'selfdefense' (no hyphen).
- Using it to describe pre-emptive or excessive violence, which is not legally 'self-defense'.
- Confusing with 'self-defence' (UK) in region-specific writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly hyphenated: 'self-defense' (AmE) / 'self-defence' (BrE).
No. The correct verbal phrase is 'to defend oneself' or 'to act in self-defense'.
The use of force must be reasonable and proportionate to the imminent threat faced.
'Self-defense' is a legal justification with specific criteria. 'Fighting back' is a more general descriptive term without the legal nuance.
The act of protecting oneself from physical harm or attack.
Self-defense is usually formal to neutral in register.
Self-defense: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself dɪˈfens/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself dɪˈfens/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A good offense is the best defense (sometimes adapted)”
- “Stand your ground (related legal concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SELF + DEFENSE: You defend your SELF.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A BATTLE / ARGUMENT IS WAR (e.g., 'She defended herself against the accusations').
Practice
Quiz
Which spelling is correct for American English?