self-mastery

noun

self-mas·​tery ˌself-ˈmas-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce self-mastery (audio)
: the ability to control one's own desires or impulses : self-control, self-discipline
However, I realized the wisdom of Rooke's advice, and went away by myself to get over my anger and reacquire my self-mastery.Bram Stoker
Self-esteem that is not backed by self-mastery becomes narcissism.Gracie Bonds Staples

Examples of self-mastery in a Sentence

she had remarkable self-mastery for one so young
Recent Examples on the Web Those who mastered these high summits did so by first achieving self-mastery, reaching through prayer and meditation a higher realm of almost superhuman awareness and power. Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2024 Set intentions for self-mastery under today’s Capricorn new moon. USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024 Another camp — call it the dissident center — has produced swaggering figures like Joe Rogan, whose version of masculinity revolves around transgressive speech and macho self-mastery through martial arts. Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2023 However, relinquishing control once in a while teaches you that making mistakes is a big part of your journey toward self-mastery. Narayana Montúfar, Women's Health, 11 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-mastery.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-mastery was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near self-mastery

Cite this Entry

“Self-mastery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-mastery. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

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