Main Entry: self–in·ter·est

Pronunciation: \-ˈin-t(ə-)rəst; -ˈin-tə-ˌrest, -ˌtrest; -ˈin-tərst\

Function: noun

Date: 1649

1 : a concern for one's own advantage and well-being <acted out of self–interest and fear>
2 : one's own interest or advantage <self–interest requires that we be generous in foreign aid>

— self–in·ter·est·ed adjective

— self–in·ter·est·ed·ly adverb

— self–in·ter·est·ed·ness noun