self-governed

[self-guhv-ernd, self-]

adjective

1. governed by itself or having self-government, as a state or community; independent.

   Synonyms: autonomous
   Antonyms: dependent

2. self-regulating; self-determining.

3. exercising self-restraint or self-control.

Other Word Forms

• self-governing adjective
• nonself-governing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-governed¹

First recorded in 1700–10

Related Words

• absolute 
• autonomous 
• unlimited