self-preservation

American  

[self-prez-er-vey-shuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlfˌprɛz ərˈveɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. preservation of oneself from harm or destruction.

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self-preservation British  

noun

1. the preservation of oneself from danger or injury, esp as a basic instinct

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Other Word Forms

• self-preserving
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-preservation

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

self-preservation

I also wouldn’t assign her fibs any intention other than self-preservation.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 29, 2026

Our legal system seems well prepared to scrutinize and punish their acts of self-preservation instead of examining the circumstances that made those acts necessary.

From Slate ● Jun. 4, 2026

Even those with lives, careers and families are fundamentally lost, snared between their pursuit of personal justice and instinctual self-preservation.

From Salon ● May 19, 2026

Europe should admit that self-preservation is now a central motive of its support.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 5, 2026

I think it was self-preservation on her part rather than any good nature toward me.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein