survival instinct
"Survival instinct" refers to the inherent drive within living organisms to stay alive and avoid harm.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1Biology
(technical, academic)An innate drive that compels an organism to engage in behaviors that ensure its continued existence.
Example
- The survival instinct prompts animals to seek food and shelter.
B2Psychology
(general)A natural tendency to avoid danger and seek safety, often seen in fight-or-flight responses.
Example
- Her survival instinct kicked in when she saw the approaching car.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "survival instinct":