self-control
noun
self-con·trol
ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl 
: restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires
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
These areas are important for social behavior, emotion, and self-control.
—
New Atlas, 26 June 2025
Research shows that insufficient sleep disrupts hunger signals, weakens self-control, impairs glucose metabolism and increases your risk of weight gain.
—Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 16 June 2025
At many crucial moments (including in Lucy and Harry’s first few dates), this stillness is established with the natural cool of self-control and professionalism and then veers into an astonishing near-sculptural artifice.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
Research even suggests that delaying goal failure, rather than giving in immediately when you’re tempted to engage in a behavior that defeats your goals, helps maintain a positive self-perception of self-control.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-control
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New Atlas, 26 June 2025
Research shows that insufficient sleep disrupts hunger signals, weakens self-control, impairs glucose metabolism and increases your risk of weight gain.
—Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 16 June 2025
At many crucial moments (including in Lucy and Harry’s first few dates), this stillness is established with the natural cool of self-control and professionalism and then veers into an astonishing near-sculptural artifice.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
Research even suggests that delaying goal failure, rather than giving in immediately when you’re tempted to engage in a behavior that defeats your goals, helps maintain a positive self-perception of self-control.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-control
Cite this Entry
“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-control. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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