self-contained

[ self-kuhn-teynd, self- ]

/ ˈsɛlf kənˈteɪnd, ˌsɛlf- /

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See 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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Origin of self-contained

First recorded in 1585–95

OTHER WORDS FROM self-contained

self-con·tain·ed·ly

[self-kuhn-tey-nid-lee, self-], /ˈsɛlf kənˈteɪ nɪd li, ˌsɛlf-/, adverbself-con·tain·ed·ness, noun

Words nearby self-contained

self-congratulation, self-conscious, self-consecration, self-consequence, self-consistent, self-contained, self-containment, self-contemplation, self-content, self-contradiction, self-control

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use self-contained in a sentence

We see detoxing as a path to transcendence, a symbol of modern urban virtue and self-transformation through abstinence.
How Taryn Toomey’s ‘The Class’ Became New York’s Latest Fitness Craze|Lizzie Crocker|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Stephanie Giorgio, a classical musician, credits The Class for helping her cope with anxiety, focus, fear, and self-doubt.
How Taryn Toomey’s ‘The Class’ Became New York’s Latest Fitness Craze|Lizzie Crocker|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
For someone with anorexia, self-starvation makes them feel better.
How Skinny Is Too Skinny? Israel Bans ‘Underweight’ Models|Carrie Arnold|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I went into the audition as Fericito, the Venezuelan percussionist, and then I did a self-defense expert.
Coffee Talk with Fred Armisen: On ‘Portlandia,’ Meeting Obama, and Taylor Swift’s Greatness|Marlow Stern|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST

Those who come to the Dinner Party are self-selecting; they do want to talk about it.
Everyone at This Dinner Party Has Lost Someone|Samantha Levine|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Let the thought of self pass in, and the beauty of great action is gone, like the bloom from a soiled flower.
Pearls of Thought|Maturin M. Ballou
Now this setting up of an orderly law-abiding self seems to me to imply that there are impulses which make for order.
Children's Ways|James Sully
At present, Louis was too self-absorbed by the struggles within him, to look deep into what was passing around him.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
But to wave this discourse of Heathens, how many self-contradicting principles are there held among Christians?
The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner (1801)|Daniel Defoe
Yet, Monsieur Arden, I have discovered some of the best treasures the house contained, and they are at present in this room.
Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

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 forms of self-contained

self-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

self-contained

Origin of self-contained

OTHER WORDS FROM self-contained

Words nearby self-contained

Words related to self-contained

How to use self-contained in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for self-contained

Derived forms of self-contained