self-pres·er·va·tion
| \ ˌself-ˌpre-zər-ˈvā-shən
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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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“Self-preservation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-preservation. Accessed 3 Jul. 2022.
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The first known use of self-preservation was circa 1614
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