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

As drawn here, the characters are an entirely plausible, fallible mix of peevishness, self-interest and self-sacrifice, especially the parents who learn the most about themselves and each other when push finally comes to shove. —Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025

Work culture, tennis or otherwise, rewards busyness and often self-sacrifice, which conflicts with self-care and mental health. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Behind all of the studying, game planning, installations, mentorship, self-sacrifice, and extra work no fan ever sees is the constant drumbeat: What if … what if … what if … What if the backup quarterback has to suddenly go in? —Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025

The adorable mascot, imported from the Fantastic Four cartoon in Fantastic Four #209, wasn’t particularly interesting until its moment of self-sacrifice in #217. —Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 28 July 2025

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