definitions
  • synonyms

self-contained

[ self-kuh n-teynd, self- ]
/ ˈsɛlf kənˈteɪnd, ˌsɛlf- /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR self-contained ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

containing in oneself or itself all that is necessary; independent.
reserved or uncommunicative.
self-controlled or self-possessed.
(of a machine or mechanism) complete in itself.

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RELATED WORDS

self-governing, autonomous, self-sufficient, self-supporting, absolute, autarchic, individualistic, nonaligned, nonpartisan, self-reliant, separate, separated, sovereign, unconnected, unconstrained, uncontrolled, freewheeling, unaided

Nearby words

self-congratulatory, self-conscious, self-consecration, self-consequence, self-consistent, self-contained, self-containment, self-contemplation, self-content, self-contradiction, self-contradictory

Origin of self-contained

First recorded in 1585–95
Related formsself-con·tain·ed·ly [self-kuh n-tey-nid-lee, self-] /ˈsɛlf kənˈteɪ nɪd li, ˌsɛlf-/, adverbself-con·tain·ed·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for self-contained

British Dictionary definitions for self-contained

self-contained

adjective

containing within itself all parts necessary for completeness
(of a flat) having its own kitchen, bathroom, and lavatory not shared by others and usually having its own entrance
able or tending to keep one's feelings, thoughts, etc, to oneself; reserved
able to control one's feelings or emotions in the presence of others
Derived Formsself-containedly, adverbself-containedness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for self-contained

self-contained

adj.

1590s, from self- + contained (see contain).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper