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

He required from His disciples the completest self-renunciation, combined with enthusiastic self-devotion to the duty of making the world better.

From The Making of an Apostle by Campbell, R. J. (Reginald John)

Such intrepid self-devotion may well call forth our highest admiration; but when we seek for the results of these toils and52 sacrifices, we shall seek in vain.

From The Conspiracy of Pontiac and the Indian War after the Conquest of Canada by Parkman, Francis

Mrs. Bray, of an essentially religious nature, shared the opinions of her husband and brother, and without conforming to the external rites and ceremonies of a creed, led a life of saintly purity and self-devotion.

From Mathilde Blind by Eliot, George