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 some perceive as apathy is actually self-preservation. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 This act of self-preservation leads him to a new job, when scientist hippies on an exploratory mission are forced to rent a SecUnit for security purposes. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 This suggests that current models have an implicit self-preservation goal. Yoshua Bengio, Time, 9 May 2025 For Black people across the diaspora, fashion is self-preservation. Colson Thayer, People.com, 5 May 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 23 May. 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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