self-appointed

[self-uh-poin-tid]

adjective

1. chosen by oneself to act in a certain capacity or to fulfill a certain function, especially pompously or self-righteously.

   a self-appointed guardian of the public's morals.

self-appointed

adjective

1. having assumed authority without the agreement of others

   a self-appointed critic

Other Word Forms

• self-appointment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-appointed¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Already, in red states, public school teachers and librarians are harassed by self-appointed vigilantes.

From Salon

In 2014, Rep. George Miller of California, House Democrats’ self-appointed “lead” on the issue, sent a letter to the FBI that might read today as if ChatGPT had written it.

From Salon

"She could be very happy with two or three or four or five," asserted this self-appointed expert in child psychology.

From Salon

Trump administration lawyers had urged the court to rein in judges who were acting as “self-appointed managers” of the federal government.

From Los Angeles Times

The self-appointed Queen of Christmas, who stopped by the Hollywood Bowl in November, celebrates the 30th anniversary of her album “Merry Christmas” this year.

From Los Angeles Times