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
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
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.
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
Cite this Entry
“Self-preservation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-preservation. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share