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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In animal studies that informed human treatments for PTSD, scientists observed that high levels of stress hormones, like norepinephrine, impair the prefrontal cortex, which is the brain’s center for decision-making and self-control. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 Research also suggests that children who consume more than 100 mg of caffeine during a school day are more likely than those who don’t to struggle with self-control and behavioral issues. Jamie Ducharme, NBC news, 20 July 2025 The Four Virtues In Business And Work For the Stoics, there were four cardinal virtues that arose from self-control: courage, wisdom, temperance and justice. Anna Jankowska, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 The goal is to help with decision-making and self-control, and to help calm the nervous system. Pooja Shree Chettiar, The Conversation, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-control

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-control. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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