self-preservation

American  

[self-prez-er-vay-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

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Etymology

Origin of self-preservation

First recorded in 1605–15

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

self-preservation

Bryan is dealing with relationship problems that add to the urgency of his desire to survive, but he’s also just a dude with questionable self-preservation instincts, which makes for a good adventure.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026

This is a sport that has not made coming out safe, where the silence is not cowardice but self-preservation.

From Salon ● Sep. 9, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 29, 2026

But as much out of self-preservation as loyalty, Agrippa remains acquiescent.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

Because if we have any sense of self-preservation, we do the best with what we're given.

From "We Are Okay" by Nina LaCour

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