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

Koepp says this is a form of self-preservation. — Darryn King, Vanity Fair, 19 May 2026

Then, there's self-preservation. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026

The body defaults to self-preservation. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 17 June 2026

This conclusion was a measure of self-preservation. — Literary Hub, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for self-preservation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

self-preservation

noun

self-pres·​er·​va·​tion

ˌself-ˌprez-ər-ˈvā-shən

: the keeping of oneself from destruction or harm