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.
Addicts start to engage with that behavior as self-preservation and survival. Matt Donnelly, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025 But that certainty, driven by common sense, time, and emotional self-preservation, has been shaken by the faint glimmer of hope from his Innie’s desperate cries. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025 Softening up the schedule in November and December is self-preservation for 18 brutal league games in January and February. Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 Peter, meanwhile, is in pure self-preservation mode, lying his ass off to Javad about his cater-waiter history and denying any career in counterintelligence. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 23 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near self-preservation

Cite this Entry

“Self-preservation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-preservation. Accessed 2 Feb. 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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