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

Derived Forms

• self-preserving
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-preservation

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

When faced with a legitimate mass threat to human life, many people would abandon mutuality and compassion in favor of self-preservation.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026

I deemed this an act of maturity and self-preservation, definitely not cowardice.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Every second spent on the mountain is a second spent deciding whether to go for broke or pull back out of self-preservation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

It’s hardly a stretch to think that pitch-black darkness at a freakishly early hour could similarly deter would-be voters, out of either sloth or self-preservation.

From Slate • Oct. 31, 2025

But the instinct for self-preservation is not so compelling an instinct as one might think.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt