self-sacrifice

noun

self-sac·​ri·​fice ˌself-ˈsa-krə-ˌfīs 

also -fəs

or -ˌfīz

: sacrifice of oneself or one's interest for others or for a cause or ideal

Examples of self-sacrifice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Over in Massachusetts, Frances learns that only an Owens woman’s self-sacrifice can liberate all Owens women from the curse of lovelessness. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026

Today’s Leo solar eclipse asks you to quit romanticizing self-sacrifice. — Usa Today, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

The crucible of childbirth is often spoken of as transformative, the self-sacrifice of pregnancy as part of becoming a parent. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026

Advertisement Traditionally, Japan’s work culture has rewarded self-sacrifice and long hours at work, at times at the expense of employee health and family life. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-sacrifice

• advice
• allspice
• concise
• device
• entice
• excise
• fordyce
• precise
• suffice
• dice
• feis
• gneiss

Kids Definition

self-sacrifice

noun

self-sac·​ri·​fice

ˈself-ˈsak-rə-ˌfīs, 

-fəs

: an unselfish giving over of oneself or one's own interest for others

self-sacrificing

-ˌfī-siŋ

adjective