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

Derived Forms

• ˌself-ˈsacriˌficing, adjective
• ˌself-ˈsacriˌficingly, adverb

Other Word Forms

• self-sacri·ficer noun
• self-sac·ri·fi·cial [self, -sak-r, uh, -, fish, -, uh, l, self-], adjective
• self-sacri·ficing adjective
• self-sacri·ficing·ly adverb
• self-sacri·ficing·ness noun
• unself-sacri·ficial adjective
• unself-sacri·ficial·ly adverb
• unself-sacri·ficing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-sacrifice¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

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

His decision is one of the most remarkable acts of leadership in our history, an act of self-sacrifice that places him in the company of George Washington, who also stepped away from the presidency.

From Salon

Many emphasized a spirit of political self-sacrifice underpinning the president’s pullback from the race.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disavowal
• repudiation