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

Etymology

Origin of self-sacrifice

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

It can encompass steadfastness in the face of adversity, selflessness, self-sacrifice, honesty and integrity in one’s dealings with others.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ve been able to pass on this love of his writing and thinking styles to my son and daughter who show the same perseverance and self-sacrifice for the greater good in their volunteer work.

From The Wall Street Journal

He was neither financially stable nor ascetic enough to commit to the artist’s lot without the remarkable self-sacrifice of his wife, Annalee.

From The Wall Street Journal

Samson’s self-sacrifice in defeating his Philistine enemies was used by Samuel Adams and others to illustrate the “zeal” of the Sons of Liberty.

From The Wall Street Journal

"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

Related Words

• disavowal
• repudiation