self-preservation
1 of 1noun/ˌsɛlfprɛzərˈveɪʃən/
1
the natural instinct or desire of an individual to protect oneself from harm or danger
- The animal's instinct for self-preservation made it flee from the predator.
- He lied out of self-preservation to avoid punishment.
- Soldiers are trained in self-preservation during combat situations.
- Wearing a seatbelt is an act of self-preservation.
- Running from a burning building is a basic form of self-preservation.