self-preservation

[self-prez-er-vey-shuhn, self-]

noun

1. preservation of oneself from harm or destruction.

self-preservation

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• self-preserving adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-preservation¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Characters engaged in the show’s death games are neither entirely heroic nor villainous as they make decisions out of self-preservation that spell doom for their fellow players.

From Salon

McGuire dismissed the criticism and threats of legal action, saying the Republicans were more concerned about political self-preservation than the will of California voters or the rule of law.

From Los Angeles Times

When the game's not going well, we have too many players that want to do their own thing and slip into self-preservation.

From BBC

Our Murderbot does, however, have opinions about humans, as well as a sense of self-preservation.

From Salon

Russell admits "self-preservation" led him to downplaying the initial symptoms of his tumour.

From BBC