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
Perhaps her form of self-preservation is to document the process of learning more than sharing the details.
—
Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 20 Jan. 2026
What an interesting wrinkle that would be in a post-apocalyptic England whose human survivors have succumbed to cultishness in a desperate bid for self-preservation — not only because there’s safety in numbers, but also because there’s purpose in theology.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 13 Jan. 2026
Given that Israel produces many of the world’s leading counter-drone defense systems, could Dublin soon reconsider its stance for the sake of its security and self-preservation?
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 30 Dec. 2025
As Tony slips into sociopathic self-preservation in the series' waning days, his love for his children provides his last link to humanity.
—Dan Snierson, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Dec. 2025
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Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 20 Jan. 2026
What an interesting wrinkle that would be in a post-apocalyptic England whose human survivors have succumbed to cultishness in a desperate bid for self-preservation — not only because there’s safety in numbers, but also because there’s purpose in theology.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 13 Jan. 2026
Given that Israel produces many of the world’s leading counter-drone defense systems, could Dublin soon reconsider its stance for the sake of its security and self-preservation?
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 30 Dec. 2025
As Tony slips into sociopathic self-preservation in the series' waning days, his love for his children provides his last link to humanity.
—Dan Snierson, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Dec. 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 28 Jan. 2026.
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