self-control

[ self-kuhn-trohl, self- ]

/ ˈsɛlf kənˈtroʊl, ˌsɛlf- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR self-control ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

Nearby words

self-containment, self-contemplation, self-content, self-contradiction, self-contradictory, self-control, self-controlled, self-correcting, self-critical, self-criticism, self-curing resin

Origin of self-control

First recorded in 1705–15

SYNONYMS FOR self-control

self-discipline, self-restraint, willpower, levelheadedness.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR self-control ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formsself-con·trolled, adjectiveself-con·trol·ling, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for self-control

Experts suggest that we need to think of self-control as a “muscle”; something we can train in order to increase our willpower.
Willpower: Our Greatest Strength?||September 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The type of self-control needed for dieting is very different from that needed for exercising.
The Behavioral Economics of Your New Year’s Resolutions|Uri Gneezy|January 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At some point, we become depleted—the self-control “muscle” is tired and we can no longer resist.
The Behavioral Economics of Your New Year’s Resolutions|Uri Gneezy|January 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In turn, the self-control muscle is allowed to recover in preparation for the next day.
The Behavioral Economics of Your New Year’s Resolutions|Uri Gneezy|January 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST

To start a diet, you “simply” need to use some self-control and have a lighter breakfast.
The Behavioral Economics of Your New Year’s Resolutions|Uri Gneezy|January 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The insolent familiarity of the language was too much for her self-control.
The Woman in White|Wilkie Collins
In spite of her experience and her self-control, she felt her face flushing under his searching gaze.
The Sky Pilot in No Man's Land|Ralph Connor
Lady Hamilton may have had the self-control of an actress, but clearly not the reticence of a well-bred woman.
The Life of Nelson, Vol. II. (of 2)|A. T. (Alfred Thayer) Mahan
Forbearance and self-control smooth the road of life, and open many ways which would otherwise remain closed.
Character|Samuel Smiles
Now she remembered her self-control during Robin's illness, and resolutely she banished her anxiety.
In the Wilderness|Robert Hichens

British Dictionary definitions for self-control

self-control

noun

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

Derived Formsself-controlled, adjectiveself-controlling, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for self-control

self-control

1711, from self- + control (n.). Coined by English moral philosopher Anthony Ashley Cooper Shaftesbury (1671-1713).

Medicine definitions for self-control

self-control

n.

Control of one's emotions, desires, or actions by one's own will.

self-control

noun

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RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of self-control

Examples from the Web for self-control

British Dictionary definitions for self-control

self-control

noun

Word Origin and History for self-control

self-control

Medicine definitions for self-control

self-control

n.