self-control

noun

self-con·​trol ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl How to pronounce self-control (audio)
: restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires
self-controlled adjective

Examples of self-control in a Sentence

toddlers have very little self-control she could be passionate and intense, but generally exercised steely self-control in the company of strangers
Recent Examples on the Web To learn about privacy and self-control through guidance, not draconian restrictions? Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024 Evidence from rounds of research on youth decision-making also showed that their brains, especially the part that governs self-control, continue developing into the early-to-mid 20s. Heather Warnken, Baltimore Sun, 9 Apr. 2024 In response, Trump employed his usual self-control and refrained from contradicting her. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Apr. 2024 Tehran was showcasing both its strength and its self-control. Afshon Ostovar, Foreign Affairs, 19 Apr. 2024 Many of these platforms are intentionally built to keep kids’ eyes on the screens for as long as possible, leading to excessive use and preventing them from developing healthy relationships and self-control. Molly O'Shea, STAT, 17 Apr. 2024 Green has certainly shown improvements in self-control since returning, but his midseason sabbatical didn’t change his DNA. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2024 Unfortunately, this classification still gets pushback and flack from those who believe people in larger bodies simply lack willpower and self-control. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024 Reaching your goals will require patience and self-control as the moon and Mars clash. USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-control.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-control was in 1653

Dictionary Entries Near self-control

Cite this Entry

“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-control. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-control

noun
self-con·​trol
ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl
: control over one's own impulses, emotions, or acts
self-controlled
-ˈtrōld
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on self-control

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