self-sacrifice

noun

self-sac·​ri·​fice
ˌself-ˈsa-krə-ˌfīs,
 also  -fəs,
or
-ˌfīz How to pronounce self-sacrifice (audio)
: sacrifice of oneself or one's interest for others or for a cause or ideal

Examples of self-sacrifice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Floria, less inclined to self-sacrifice, disagrees. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 And yet the town has another history too, of resistance and resilience and heroic acts of self-sacrifice which Wilkerson also relates in his low, frank, warm narration. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 27 Feb. 2024 Throughout the month Ramadan is celebrated through daily fasting, prayer, charity, focus to God and self-discipline and self-sacrifice. The Arizona Republic, 19 Feb. 2024 Continuing down this path of self-sacrifice risks damaging your own prospects for success. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2024 Yet surely to think of artist-mothers as only suffering or silenced simply reinforces self-sacrifice as the measure of motherhood. Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023 In Latine culture, motherly self-sacrifice is rooted in marianismo and familismo, an ideology that values dedication, commitment, and loyalty to family. Maria Matta, refinery29.com, 26 Sep. 2023 The conduct must involve bravery or self-sacrifice to a degree that distinguishes a person from colleagues on the battlefield. Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2023 Medical systems encourage and exploit a culture of self-sacrifice, and workloads are unsustainable. Jennifer Adaeze Okwerekwu, STAT, 24 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-sacrifice.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-sacrifice was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near self-sacrifice

Cite this Entry

“Self-sacrifice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-sacrifice. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-sacrifice

noun
self-sac·​ri·​fice
ˈself-ˈsak-rə-ˌfīs,
-fəs
: an unselfish giving over of oneself or one's own interest for others
self-sacrificing
-ˌfī-siŋ
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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