self-preservation

noun
UK: /ˌselfˌprezəˈveɪʃən/
US: /ˌselfˌprezərˈveɪʃən/

  1. The instinct or action of protecting yourself from harm or death.

    1. His self-preservation kicked in, and he ran away.
    2. Driven by self-preservation, the animal sought shelter from the approaching storm.

  2. Behavior that ensures the continuation of one's own existence.

    1. Self-preservation is a basic instinct.
    2. The politician's actions were motivated by self-preservation, not the public good.

  3. The act of keeping yourself safe in a dangerous situation.

    1. Her self-preservation was strong in the crisis.
    2. In situations of extreme danger, self-preservation often overrides other concerns.

Synonyms

survival self-defense safety security

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "self-preservation" in English means: The instinct or action of protecting yourself from harm or death., Behavior that ensures the continuation of one's own existence., The act of keeping yourself safe in a dangerous situation..

The phonetic transcription of "self-preservation" is /ˌselfˌprezəˈveɪʃən/ in British English and /ˌselfˌprezərˈveɪʃən/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "self-preservation": survival, self-defense, safety, security.

Example usage of "self-preservation": "His self-preservation kicked in, and he ran away.". More examples on the page.