self-perpetuating
Americanadjective
-
continuing oneself in office, rank, etc., beyond the normal limit.
-
capable of indefinite continuation.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- self-perpetuation noun
Etymology
Origin of self-perpetuating
First recorded in 1815–25
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And male monopolies on power tend to be self-perpetuating: Only when a critical mass of women run and win does it begin to feel possible that women can run for office and win.
From Slate
According to Dr. Thierry, it may be that persistent overproduction of NETs, fueled by self-perpetuating inflammatory and thrombotic loops, exacerbates disease severity.
From Science Daily
“It’s a self-perpetuating cycle. To defeat JNIM, the junta needs large-scale ground operations and air support; yet both depend on a steady supply of fuel,” said the FPRI’s Parens.
Reynolds is an experienced recruiter who knows unemployment can be a self-perpetuating cycle.
He explained that our democracy is not self-perpetuating but is a “continuing enterprise and conversation” that depends on civic education.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
