self-government

[self-guhv-ern-muhnt, -er-muhnt, self-]

noun

1. control of the government of a state, community, or other body by its own members; democratic government.

2. the condition of being self-governed.

3. self-control.

self-government

noun

1. the government of a country, nation, etc, by its own people

2. the state of being self-controlled

3. an archaic term for self-control

Other Word Forms

• self-governed adjective
• self-governing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-government¹

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

In 2022, Stephen Miller wrote, “If the idea of free speech enrages you — the cornerstone of democratic self-government — then I regret to inform you that you are a fascist.”

From Salon

Her grandfather signed a petition against Irish self-government in 1912, when the whole island was still part of the UK.

From BBC

Her hands are tied by D.C.’s unique status under the Home Rule Act, which granted limited self-government to the District.

From Salon

The original six were motivated by the ambition to promote the Welsh language and its culture, as well as securing self-government for Wales.

From BBC

It had to be thus, because populism is liberal democracy’s sinister cousin, bearing just enough resemblance to legitimate self-government to be deceptively dangerous.

From Salon

Related Words

• autonomy 
• discretion 
• flexibility 
• immunity 
• independence 
• sovereignty