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.
Pride is measured against self-preservation. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2026 This conclusion was a measure of self-preservation. Literary Hub, 14 May 2026 Ukrainian painter Alla Hurenko (known as Pazza Pennello) captures an intimate, diaristic portrait of life under war through her iPhone, where art becomes a powerful act of resilience and self-preservation. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 6 May 2026 The root problem, in his view, is a leadership class that has confused self-preservation with public service. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 May 2026 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 19 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

self-preservation

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