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

During a routine maneuver in late February, Voyager 1's power levels fell unexpectedly, bringing the probe dangerously close to triggering an automatic fault-protection shutdown — a self-preservation response that would have forced engineers into a lengthy and risky recovery process. —Willem Marx, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026

Neither expert denies that Mythos is a significant advance, but suggest the decisive regulatory action is partly driven by institutional self-preservation. —Chris Stokel-Walker, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2026

To hear Garrett tell it, the final push to end Spirit Adrift came from a kind of superstitious self-preservation. —Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 14 Apr. 2026

Hein’s memories turn out to be underscored not only by longing and melancholy, but an instinct of self-preservation. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 12 Apr. 2026

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