self-appointed

American  

[self-uh-poin-tid] / ˈsɛlf əˈpɔɪn tɪd /

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.

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self-appointed British  

adjective

1. having assumed authority without the agreement of others

   a self-appointed critic

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Other Word Forms

• self-appointment noun

Etymology

Origin of self-appointed

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

But it still came as a shock to the system and broke basically all the rules of American politics, at least as understood by its self-appointed caste of experts.

From Salon

I, the self-appointed queen of snacks, brought a plethora of goodies and drinks from my Sherman Oaks apartment.

From Los Angeles Times

As the first Teton Pass ambassador—a self-appointed position that eventually became a paid role with the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

Although psychedelic drugs are illegal in South Africa, many self-appointed healers and shamans based in Cape Town are openly advertising that they incorporate them in their therapies.

From BBC

“Her sole purpose in life—self-appointed—is being a mother,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal