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.
So, this sorting can be an act of self-preservation — a way of making sense of a world where all the rules have changed. R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025 So, this sorting can be an act of self-preservation – a way of making sense of a world where all the rules have changed. R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025 Kaas and his fellow Center Party leaders debated it for hours, torn between principle and self-preservation. Daniel Ziblatt, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025 Carthen highlights that her stoic disposition was also a means of self-preservation. Essence, 26 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 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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