self-determination

American  

[self-di-tur-muh-ney-shuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlf dɪˌtɜr məˈneɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. determination by oneself or itself, without outside influence.

2. freedom to live as one chooses, or to act or decide without consulting another or others.

3. the determining by the people of the form their government shall have, without reference to the wishes of any other nation, especially by people of a territory or former colony.

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self-determination British  

noun

1. the power or ability to make a decision for oneself without influence from outside

2. the right of a nation or people to determine its own form of government without influence from outside

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Other Word Forms

• self-determined adjective
• self-determining adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-determination

1670–80; 1915–20 self-determination for def. 3

Example Sentences

He issued a declaration of return after setting foot on the territory, claiming his "right of self-determination".

From BBC

“They are at the crossroads, self-determination versus safety. When can you cross the line and take over?” she says.

From The Wall Street Journal

He said any talks must take place "from a position of equals, with respect for our sovereignty, our independence and our self-determination" and without "interference in our internal affairs."

From Barron's

Ironically it was Greenland’s first experience under U.S. control during World War II that supercharged their claim to self-determination.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fifty years of lip service to self-determination for Greenland doesn’t add up, if it ever did.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• autonomy
• home rule
• self-government
• self-reliance
• self-rule
• self-sufficiency
• separation
• sovereignty