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.
Each of them were able to make a plea before the Traitors picked their victim, with Jeremy taking a unique tact to self-preservation. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 17 Jan. 2025 Drivers who flee the scene after killing a pedestrian or cyclist often do so in an act of self-preservation. Ryan Lillis, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025 Kelce proved to have plenty left in the tank last postseason — with at least 71 receiving yards in all four playoff games, including 93 on nine receptions in the Super Bowl — leading many to believe his reduced regular-season production was a matter of self-preservation. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 17 Jan. 2025 Peace confines violence to self-defense in vindication of the right of self-preservation. Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2025 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 22 Jan. 2025.

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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