SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

self-determination

noun self-de·ter·mi·na·tion \ ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən \

Definition of self-determination

1 : free choice of one's own acts or states without external compulsion

2 : determination by the people of a territorial unit of their own future political status

See self-determination defined for English-language learners

See self-determination defined for kids

First Known Use of self-determination

circa 1670

self-determination Synonyms

Synonyms

accord, autonomy, choice, self-determination, volition, will

Antonyms

dependence (also dependance), heteronomy, subjection, unfreedom

Related Words

election, preference, selection; bent, devices, disposition, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency; alternative, discretion, option, pick, way

Near Antonyms

coercion, compulsion, constraint, duress, force, pressure

SELF-DETERMINATION Defined for English Language Learners

self-determination

noun

Definition of self-determination for English Language Learners

: the right of the people of a particular place to choose the form of government they will have
: the freedom to make your own choices

Learn More about self-determination

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for self-determination Nglish: Translation of self-determination for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about self-determination

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BROWSE DICTIONARY

self-destruction

self-destructive

self-determination

self-determined

self-determining

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