self-preservation

noun

self-pres·​er·​va·​tion ˌself-ˌpre-zər-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce self-preservation (audio)
1
: preservation of oneself from destruction or harm
2
: a natural or instinctive tendency to act so as to preserve one's own existence

Examples of self-preservation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
If pride fails to serve as proper motivation, the aforementioned self-preservation is option B. Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2024 Ani is a whirlwind of furious self-preservation, both physical and verbal. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2024 Put more time and energy into self-preservation and feeling and looking your best. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2024 Legacy shipping companies are often focused on short-term profitability and self-preservation rather than long-term advancement. Itamar Zur, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for self-preservation 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-preservation was circa 1614

Dictionary Entries Near self-preservation

Cite this Entry

“Self-preservation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-preservation. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-preservation

noun
self-pres·​er·​va·​tion
ˌself-ˌprez-ər-ˈvā-shən
: the keeping of oneself from destruction or harm
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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