self-preservation

noun

self-pres·​er·​va·​tion ˌself-ˌpre-zər-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce self-preservation (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What may look like consent is often survival or self-preservation. Liz Roberts, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025 Rather than simply responding to instructions, the systems demonstrated initiative, persistence, and a rudimentary capacity for self-preservation. Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 The Rockies, for years, have cultivated a leadership style of CYA and self-preservation. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 26 June 2025 Not just the anger that Western society foments against itself, but also the fragility of a species whose personal instinct for self-preservation has always been the greatest threat to its collective survival. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-preservation

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-preservation was circa 1614

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Cite this Entry

“Self-preservation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-preservation. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-preservation

noun
self-pres·​er·​va·​tion
ˌself-ˌprez-ər-ˈvā-shən
: the keeping of oneself from destruction or harm
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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