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.
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 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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-control. Accessed 28 Jul. 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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