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

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

"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

And while the majority of players have the self-control to enjoy games without letting them interfere with their lives, there are some who struggle to set boundaries.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From BBC

Related Words

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