self-preservation
noun
self-pres·er·va·tion
ˌself-ˌpre-zər-ˈvā-shən 
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
Not just the anger that Western society foments against itself, but also the fragility of a species whose personal instinct for self-preservation has always been the greatest threat to its collective survival.
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 18 June 2025
Most Black women – 67% – have disengaged from the news entirely just to protect their peace—a striking act of self-preservation in a country that expects Black women to keep pushing without pause.
—Essence, 17 June 2025
Hoyer could be acting out of self-preservation at the deadline of what might be his final shot in Chicago.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025
The only thing Iranian leaders view as more perilous for their self-preservation than the suffering wreaked by Israeli bombs is surrendering to American terms.
—Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-preservation
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David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 18 June 2025
Most Black women – 67% – have disengaged from the news entirely just to protect their peace—a striking act of self-preservation in a country that expects Black women to keep pushing without pause.
—Essence, 17 June 2025
Hoyer could be acting out of self-preservation at the deadline of what might be his final shot in Chicago.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025
The only thing Iranian leaders view as more perilous for their self-preservation than the suffering wreaked by Israeli bombs is surrendering to American terms.
—Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-preservation
Cite this Entry
“Self-preservation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-preservation. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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