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

---

self-control British  

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

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

Holding back a child can be a good option to allow children extra time to develop self-control and self-regulation skills vital for the classroom, said Stanford professor Thomas Dee, who has studied red-shirting.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Given the attention-sucking power of mainstream devices and software, "this is not about self-control anymore," Tang added.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Feb. 16, 2026

After all, research consistently shows that individuals with lower self-control save less, carry more debt and make poorer financial choices.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 23, 2026

But she didn’t scold him, though that took a heap of self-control.

From "A Place to Belong" by Cynthia Kadohata

Related Words

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