self-sacrifice

noun

self-sac·​ri·​fice ˌself-ˈsa-krə-ˌfīs How to pronounce self-sacrifice (audio)
 also  -fəs,
 or  -ˌfīz
: sacrifice of oneself or one's interest for others or for a cause or ideal

Examples of self-sacrifice 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.
Marcus has always been brave, but his bravery here was also an act of self-sacrifice. Erik Kain, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Soon, Clark wrote Jaffe a letter suggesting that Jaffe, in a crowning gesture of artistic self-sacrifice, offer up his own body to be eaten in a restaurant. Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024 This type of altruism can result in unhealthy levels of self-sacrifice, enabling destructive behaviors or worsening situations despite good intentions. Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024 Advertisement Now, as Betts nears his comeback from a broken hand, the Dodgers could be making another request that tests his capacity for self-sacrifice. Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for self-sacrifice 

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-sacrifice was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near self-sacrifice

Cite this Entry

“Self-sacrifice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-sacrifice. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-sacrifice

noun
self-sac·​ri·​fice
ˈself-ˈsak-rə-ˌfīs,
-fəs
: an unselfish giving over of oneself or one's own interest for others
self-sacrificing
-ˌfī-siŋ
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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