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

Disassociates Amid ongoing social, political, and economic turbulence, many Gen Zers are intentionally distancing themselves from both reality and the digital world as a form of self-preservation. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025

The original poster agreed, reinforcing that the choice came from self-preservation, not spite. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025

From that angle, calling for federal involvement might look like pragmatic self-preservation — a CEO making nice with power to protect his shareholders. —Tom Chavez, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025

Here was an artist, a father, murdering someone with a viciousness that went beyond self-preservation. —Seamus Sullivan september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 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