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
This natural cause-and-effect helps build self-control in decision making, which is more effective than a lecture alone.
—
wendy Wisner, Parents, 8 July 2025
In fact, people who show more consistent self-control don’t necessarily do so all the time.
—Jasmine Mote, Scientific American, 7 July 2025
Though it's most commonly observed in people with ADHD, Sarkis said, time blindness can manifest in anyone with impairment in executive functions stemming from the frontal lobe area of their brain, which is responsible for personality, judgment, self-control and more.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 30 June 2025
These areas are important for social behavior, emotion, and self-control.
—New Atlas, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-control
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wendy Wisner, Parents, 8 July 2025
In fact, people who show more consistent self-control don’t necessarily do so all the time.
—Jasmine Mote, Scientific American, 7 July 2025
Though it's most commonly observed in people with ADHD, Sarkis said, time blindness can manifest in anyone with impairment in executive functions stemming from the frontal lobe area of their brain, which is responsible for personality, judgment, self-control and more.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 30 June 2025
These areas are important for social behavior, emotion, and self-control.
—New Atlas, 26 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 14 Jul. 2025.
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