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

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

IC: I think people don’t realize that it is ultimately a lot of bravery and self-sacrifice in order to keep your sister’s memory alive.

From Los Angeles Times

Patriotism was ennobling, self-sacrifice was reflexive; heroism was rewarded, and everybody was proudly in this fight together.

From The Wall Street Journal

This sprint of self-sacrifice is what vaulted the Dodgers to a victory in Game 3 of the World Series.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disavowal
• repudiation