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

Senior executives initially balked, casting obesity as a problem of self-control and exercise rather than a disease amenable to medication.

From The Wall Street Journal

Penelope was deeply impressed; straightaway she wanted to reward the wolves for their superb self-control.

From Literature

Rather than criticising yourself about your lack of self-control, focusing on being more intentional about when we pick up our devices can be more effective, according to one psychologist.

From BBC

The loss of self-control embarrassed him—he preferred not to talk about it—and he was deeply relieved when the attacks became less frequent and less severe.

From Literature

"There was no rule that you had to reinvest your earnings, but I suppose we were just too weak to resist. They just pumped up our dreams… until we lost all self-control, all critical judgment."

From BBC

Related Words

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