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

• self-devoted
  adjective
• self-devotedly
  adverb
• 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

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

"All instances of patriotism, or of self-devotion for the general good, are undoubtedly affecting," observed Sophia.

From Pencil Sketches or, Outlines of Character and Manners by Leslie, Eliza

A heaven upon earth for those who come after him, such is his inspiration to effort and to self-devotion.

From My Path to Atheism by Besant, Annie Wood