self-control
Americannoun
noun
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Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of self-control
First recorded in 1705–15
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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.
These changes may help explain why dieting affects not only body size, but also food cravings, self control, and the drive to eat.
From Science Daily • May 31, 2026
Germany's Sarah Engels was "on fire", Norway's Jonas Lovv had "no self control" and Sweden's Felicia gave us an image that's hard to forget: "You're in my head, my heart, my body parts".
From BBC • May 17, 2026
Bauer: A study that I did saw increases in self esteem and other sort of non-cognitive outcomes, so self control, self regulation, so we saw that.
From Scientific American • Oct. 26, 2023
But we may all need to reflect on our beliefs about self control with technology.
From Washington Post • Mar. 10, 2023
His hand, trembling with his effort at self control, bore to his lips the last of his glass of ale.
From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
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.
