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.
Canadian alt-pop artist's debut matches sonic surrealism with defiantly vulnerable lyrics February 19, 2025 Is self-preservation futile? Gabrielle MacAfee, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2025 Conscious compliance can serve as a means of self-preservation, allowing for more effective resistance in the future. Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025 What’s really cool about the end of Episode 2 is that each of those things [self-preservation and acting on a crush] are at their fullest. Lauren Coates, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025 But such acts of self-preservation have a collective cost. Steven Levitsky, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

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