self-regulation

American  

[self-reg-yuh-ley-shuhn, self-] / ˌsɛlfˌrɛg yəˈleɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. control by oneself or itself, as in an economy, business organization, etc., especially such control as exercised independently of governmental supervision, laws, or the like.

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Etymology

Origin of self-regulation

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

Monitoring the brain’s self-regulation and maintenance functions, like this fluid flushing, are opportunities for new diagnostic tools and avenues for treatment, Nedergaard said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

Neither self-regulation by the profession nor government-sponsored boards have ensured the clarity and reliability of financial reporting.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

Bogotá’s unorthodox mayor, Antanas Mockus—who rose to fame after mooning student protesters and deployed mimes to control traffic—viewed the activity as a gambit “to achieve self-regulation in the behavior among citizens.”

From Slate • Dec. 22, 2024

According to the US political scientist Francis Fukuyama, “neither platform self-regulation, nor the forms of state regulation coming down the line” can solve “the online freedom of speech question”.

From BBC • Oct. 12, 2024

He who vindicates nature and reason, should show that being left to nature, philosophy, reputation, and the laws, there exists self-regulation and reliable rationality.*

From The Limits Of Atheism Or, Why should Sceptics be Outlaws? by Holyoake, George Jacob