self-sacrifice

[self-sak-ruh-fahys, self-]

noun

1. sacrifice of one's interests, desires, etc., as for duty or the good of another.

self-sacrifice

noun

1. the sacrifice of one's own desires, interest, etc, for the sake of duty or for the well-being of others

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-sacrifice¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

But it’s easy to see how the idea fits neatly into the right’s sexist vision of motherhood as a state of endless self-sacrifice.

From Salon

There is a sense of self-sacrifice from the skipper for overlooking his own playing ambitions.

From BBC

A woman whose pregnancy is failing is expected to welcome death as the ultimate expression of female self-sacrifice.

From Salon

In France, his caped and bearded figure became an emblem of Christian self-sacrifice.

From BBC

Now, as Betts nears his comeback from a broken hand, the Dodgers could be making another request that tests his capacity for self-sacrifice.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disavowal 
• repudiation