self-restraint

noun

self-re·​straint ˌself-ri-ˈstrānt 

: restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires : self-control

A bitter answer leaped to his tongue, but he was learning self-restraint.

—Somerset Maugham

Synonyms of self-restraint

• restraint

Examples of self-restraint in a Sentence

she demonstrated an almost unnatural self-restraint during the fight

we must practice self-restraint even with people who are deliberately rude

Recent Examples on the Web

In contrast to its sibling’s self-restraint, the 25 year expression is immediately bigger and bolder—and not just for its higher ABV. — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

In his youth, however, the ancient historian Plutarch tells us, Alexander was a model of self-restraint. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026

Thanks to Quince’s latest luggage drop, this practice in self-restraint is about to pay off, big time. — Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2026

A little self-restraint goes a long way today. — Usa Today, USA Today, 7 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-restraint

• acquaint
• complaint
• constraint
• distraint
• repaint
• restraint
• faint
• feint
• maint
• paint
• plaint
• quaint

Kids Definition

self-restraint

noun

self-re·​straint

ˌsel-fri-ˈstrānt

: proper control over one's actions or emotions