self-sacrifice

American  

[self-sak-ruh-fahys, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈsæk rəˌfaɪs, ˈsɛlf- /

noun

1. sacrifice of one's interests, desires, etc., as for duty or the good of another.

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self-sacrifice British  

noun

1. the sacrifice of one's own desires, interest, etc, for the sake of duty or for the well-being of others

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Other Word Forms

• self-sacrificer
  noun
• self-sacrificingness
  noun
• self-sacrificial
  adjective
• self-sacrificing
  adjective
• unself-sacrificial
  adjective
• unself-sacrificing
  adjective
• self-sacrificingly
  adverb
• unself-sacrificially
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of self-sacrifice

First recorded in 1795–1805

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

self-sacrifice

These men aren’t preaching Jesus Christ’s gospel of self-sacrifice and humility.

From Salon ● May 4, 2026

The Guards Corps said in a statement it was "ready for complete obedience and self-sacrifice in carrying out the divine commands" of the younger Khamenei.

From Barron's ● Mar. 8, 2026

The author argues that contemporary American business and government leaders are fundamentally characterized by an absence of character, which the author defines as steadfastness, selflessness, self-sacrifice, honesty, and integrity in dealings with others.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 19, 2026

"Spreading love and joy and caring for his people with endless self-sacrifice in his life and in his death, he towered above as one of the highest and holiest souls."

From BBC ● Dec. 17, 2025

The stone I would have used in an attempt to drag back those who are at peace, rather than to enable my self-sacrifice, as you did.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

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Related Words

• disavowal
• repudiation

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