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.
Here was an artist, a father, murdering someone with a viciousness that went beyond self-preservation. Seamus Sullivan september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025 No one comes out of the film unscathed or as a beacon of anything other than self-preservation. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025 Wearing headwraps is a sacred tradition of protection and self-preservation for us. Essence, 24 Sep. 2025 This is a person who's looking out purely for their own self-interest, self-preservation. ABC News, 21 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 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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