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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Scott Barclay, Managing Director of Insight Partners, a global venture capital and growth equity firm, sees relationship dynamics with health plans driving hospital self-interest and self-preservation. Seth Joseph, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 Acting out of self-interest and self-preservation while using virtuous language hardly is an unknown thing in the arts, especially these past few years. Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 17 Dec. 2024 Finally, India’s self-preservation comes from the challenge of managing a hugely complex and diverse country, which requires prioritizing domestic politics over foreign policy. Manjari Chatterjee Miller, Foreign Affairs, 11 Dec. 2024 Add to that the not-so-gentle judgments Quad endured during her divorce, and her choice to hold off sharing the news with this particular group of women feels less like secrecy and more like self-preservation. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 9 Dec. 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 23 Dec. 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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