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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.

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

"Spreading love and joy and caring for his people with endless self-sacrifice in his life and in his death, he towered above as one of the highest and holiest souls."

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2025

IC: I think people don’t realize that it is ultimately a lot of bravery and self-sacrifice in order to keep your sister’s memory alive.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

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

Because, she was sure, the kind of bond Mamma and Papa had would require a self-sacrifice she would never be okay making.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon