self-perpetuating
Americanadjective
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continuing oneself in office, rank, etc., beyond the normal limit.
-
capable of indefinite continuation.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of self-perpetuating
First recorded in 1815–25
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.
Because fear is so self perpetuating, sometimes you just have to think, "I know I'm frightened of that but I'm going to do it."
From Salon • May 1, 2021
This has created a self perpetuating cycle where increased loans make us less likely to try something new.
From BBC • Dec. 3, 2012
We hope eventually that they will take full charge of such work which really ought to be in the hands of self perpetuating institutions and not in the hands of individuals.
From Northern Nut Growers Association, report of the proceedings at the eighth annual meeting Stamford, Connecticut, September 5 and 6, 1917 by Northern Nut Growers Association
Therefore I think that more of the energy of this association should be expended in influencing the self perpetuating horticultural institutions to see the importance of nut culture.
From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the Twelfth Annual Meeting Lancaster, Pennsylvania, October 6 and 7, 1921 by Northern Nut Growers Association
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.
