self-contained

[self-kuhn-teynd, self-]

adjective

1. containing in oneself or itself all that is necessary; independent.

2. reserved or uncommunicative.

3. self-controlled or self-possessed.

4. (of a machine or mechanism) complete in itself.

self-contained

adjective

1. containing within itself all parts necessary for completeness

2. (of a flat) having its own kitchen, bathroom, and lavatory not shared by others and usually having its own entrance

3. able or tending to keep one's feelings, thoughts, etc, to oneself; reserved

4. able to control one's feelings or emotions in the presence of others

Other Word Forms

• self-containedly adverb
• self-containedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-contained¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Related Words

• autonomous 
• self-governing www.thesaurus.com
• self-sufficient 
• self-supporting