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

The Ultimate Edition does a lot to smooth out the confused plotting, but even in the theatrical cut, Batman v Superman feels like a cursed vision of superheroes plagued by fears around self-preservation and cruelty. —Rory Doherty, Vulture, 11 July 2025

As the moon and Saturn clash, self-preservation instincts kick in. —Usa Today, USA Today, 9 July 2025

For instance, this pops up ahead of the 1998 buddy cop movie Rush Hour now: Not only is this awkwardly phrased, this feels less like an attempt to actually protect sensitive viewers and more like self-preservation. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025

What may look like consent is often survival or self-preservation. —Liz Roberts, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025

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