self-control

[self-kuhn-trohl, self-]

noun

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

   Synonyms: levelheadedness, willpower, self-restraint, self-discipline

self-control

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• self-controlled adjective
• self-controlling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-control¹

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

The lack of self-control was unforgivable, the look of confused innocence on his face in the aftermath a complete nonsense.

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He has preached discipline to his players, but he either doesn’t know how to effectively deliver the message or teach them to exercise greater self-control.

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New York magazine described him as "notoriously disciplined" and "dedicated to a self-control and self-containedness that can come off as coolness".

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It cited the brutal nature of the killings and Lyle's lack of self-control.

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Rather, this a lean showdown between self-control and gluttony, between our modest heroes and a greedy titan.

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Related Words

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