self-control

American  

[self-kuhn-trohl, self-] / ˈsɛlf kənˈtroʊl, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. control or restraint of oneself or one's actions, feelings, etc.

   Synonyms:

   levelheadedness, willpower, self-restraint, self-discipline

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self-control British  

noun

1. the ability to exercise restraint or control over one's feelings, emotions, reactions, etc

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Other Word Forms

• self-controlled adjective
• self-controlling adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-control

First recorded in 1705–15

Compare meaning

How does self-control compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• self-control vs. self-discipline

Example Sentences

She possessed “a winning grace,” “reserve” and “self-control” appropriate for “a soul far above her present calling …” She’d acquired the skills of an entertainer.

From Literature

But regaining self-control, he made it clear that he wasn’t a puffin who compromised on discipline.

From Literature

For years, scientists have believed that compulsive behaviors happen when people become trapped in a "habit loop" that overrides self-control.

From Science Daily

He credits his parents, neither of whom went to college, and the military for giving him a strong sense of self-control.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Sheehan explains that Christian history is not a story of autonomy, a notion of self-control he borrows from Kant’s ethics.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• dignity
• discretion
• poise
• restraint
• reticence
• self-discipline
• sobriety
• stoicism