self-control
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
- self-controlled adjective
- self-controlling adjective
Etymology
Origin of self-control
First recorded in 1705–15
Compare meaning
How does self-control compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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.
Holding back a child can be a good option to allow children extra time to develop self-control and self-regulation skills vital for the classroom, said Stanford professor Thomas Dee, who has studied red-shirting.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026
The condition is linked to differences in brain function and development, particularly in areas involved in attention, self-control, and executive function.
From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026
Given the attention-sucking power of mainstream devices and software, "this is not about self-control anymore," Tang added.
From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026
He credits his parents, neither of whom went to college, and the military for giving him a strong sense of self-control.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026
Not every demonstrator had the self-control to obey the discipline of nonviolent resistance championed by Dr. King.
From "Because They Marched" by Russell Freedman
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.
