self-control
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of self-control
First recorded in 1705–15
Compare meaning
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Explanation
Self-control is the quality that allows you to stop yourself from doing things you want to do but that might not be in your best interest. For example, without self-control, you might burp and curse nonstop. Have you ever had a potato chip or two and pretty soon you’ve eaten the whole bag? Eating a whole bag of chips shows little self-control. Not charging an expensive thing you want to a credit card takes self-control. Getting up early for work takes self-control. Without self-control, it's hard to get far in life. Self-control is similar to self-discipline.
Vocabulary lists containing self-control
Promises to Keep
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History is made in PA: Clinton's DNC Acceptance Speech
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Loser
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Extreme emotional disturbance is about a loss of self-control for which there was a reasonable explanation or excuse,” said Gary Galperin, a former prosecutor in Manhattan who now teaches at Cardozo School of Law.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026
As he has aged, has increasingly appeared to lack filters or self-control.
From Salon ● May 26, 2026
If there’s any qualm in Cosm’s work it’s that at times there could be a tinge more self-control in order to let the film do its work.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 14, 2026
Qualities like grit or self-control influenced overall performance, but they did not prevent people from having less productive days.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 15, 2026
The loss of self-control embarrassed him—he preferred not to talk about it—and he was deeply relieved when the attacks became less frequent and less severe.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
