self-possession

[ self-puh-zesh-uhn, self- ]
See synonyms for self-possession on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the quality of being self-possessed; control of one's feelings, behavior, etc.; composure; poise.

Origin of self-possession

1
First recorded in 1735–45

Words Nearby self-possession

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use self-possession in a sentence

  • Her tall figure—she was taller than he by at least three inches—was beautiful in its commanding, yet not vulgar, self-possession.

    Bella Donna | Robert Hichens
  • Regaining his self-possession by a visible effort, he crossed to a small side-table upon which the instrument rested.

    Dope | Sax Rohmer
  • She passed through all their examinations with the most perfect composure and the most dignified self-possession.

  • But I soon recovered some remnants of self-possession, and began feeling for the knob I could no longer see.

    The Staircase At The Hearts Delight | Anna Katharine Green (Mrs. Charles Rohlfs)
  • Ease of action need not imply laziness, but simply polite self-possession.