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self-preservation

noun self-pres·er·va·tion \ ˌself-ˌpre-zər-ˈvā-shən \

Definition of self-preservation

1 : preservation of oneself from destruction or harm
2 : a natural or instinctive tendency to act so as to preserve one's own existence

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First Known Use of self-preservation

circa 1614

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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SELF-PRESERVATION Defined for English Language Learners

self-preservation

noun

Definition of self-preservation for English Language Learners

  • : protection of yourself from harm or death

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