Definitions

self-sacrifice

[self-sak-ruh-fahys, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈsæk rəˌfaɪs, ˈsɛlf- /

NOUN

martyrdom

Synonyms

STRONGEST

persecution

STRONG

affliction agony anguish crucifixion devotion distress mortification ordeal pain sacrifice torment torture unselfishness

WEAK

agonizing self-immolation

Antonyms

STRONG

comfort contentment happiness health joy pleasure relief

WEAK

satisfaction

NOUN

quitclaim

Synonyms

STRONG

abandonment abjuration abnegation abstention cancellation denial disavowal disclaimer forswearing rebuff refusal relinquishment remission renouncement renunciation repeal repudiation resignation sacrifice self-abnegation self-denial surrender veto waiver yielding

WEAK

demission eschewal eschewing forbearing giving up spurning

Antonyms

STRONG

OK agreement allowance approval claim permission ratification sanction

NOUN

relinquishment

Synonyms

STRONG

abandonment abjuration abnegation abstention cancellation denial disavowal disclaimer forswearing quitclaim rebuff remission renouncement renunciation repeal repudiation resignation sacrifice self-abnegation self-denial surrender veto waiver yielding

WEAK

demission eschewal eschewing forbearing giving up spurning

Antonyms

STRONG

agreement allowance approval claim permission ratification sanction

NOUN

renunciation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disavowal repudiation

STRONG

abdication abjuration abnegation abstention cancellation denial disclaimer forswearing rebuff refusal relinquishment remission renouncement repeal resignation sacrifice self-abnegation self-denial surrender veto waiver yielding

WEAK

eschewal eschewing forbearing giving up spurning

Antonyms

STRONG

OK agreement allowance approval claim permission sanction

WEAK

condonement

NOUN

self-denial

Synonyms

STRONG

abnegation abstemiousness ascetic asceticism self-abnegation selflessness

Antonyms

WEAK

self-indulgence

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These men aren’t preaching Jesus Christ’s gospel of self-sacrifice and humility.

From Salon • May 4, 2026

Unfortunately, she said, “young people sometimes learn that being compliant is valued more than speaking up. Schools are important places to learn to replace invisibility and self-sacrifice with personal and collective pride, agency and voice.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

The Guards Corps said in a statement it was "ready for complete obedience and self-sacrifice in carrying out the divine commands" of the younger Khamenei.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

Patriotism was ennobling, self-sacrifice was reflexive; heroism was rewarded, and everybody was proudly in this fight together.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

She became carried away by their spirit of self-sacrifice as they sang, “For the flag we are ready to die....”

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

self-sacrifice

Example Sentences

Related Words