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

Unfortunately, she said, “young people sometimes learn that being compliant is valued more than speaking up. Schools are important places to learn to replace invisibility and self-sacrifice with personal and collective pride, agency and voice.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 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

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 • Dec. 22, 2025

"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

She became carried away by their spirit of self-sacrifice as they sang, “For the flag we are ready to die....”

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Related Words

• disavowal
• repudiation