self-devotion

American  

[self-di-voh-shuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlf dɪˈvoʊ ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. intense devotion of oneself to an activity or to a field or profession, as art or science.

2. devotion of oneself to the care or service of another or others; self-sacrifice.

   Her self-devotion to her sick mother prevented her from finishing college.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• self-devotedly
  adverb
• self-devoted
  adjective
• self-devotedness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of self-devotion

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

The lesser-known “vulnerable” variety of self-devotion afflicts more reserved, fragile individuals who may resemble the self-effacing and thin-skinned characters portrayed by Woody Allen in his films.

From Scientific American • Feb. 5, 2013

"No man in the world was ever so sincere and modest in his self-devotion," wrote Marie in her secret notebook.

From Time Magazine Archive

Is self-devotion to be of no more account to me, than it seemed to you?

From Home Influence A Tale for Mothers and Daughters by Aguilar, Grace

Christ, we find, draws out in His disciples the desired qualities of self-devotion and of healthy trust in God, without effacing the stamp of the individual nature of each man.

From Pastor Pastorum by Latham, Rev. Henry

There is not a momentary struggle between self-devotion and the shock of indignation.

From Letters of Lord Acton To Mary, Daughter of the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone by Acton, John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, Baron