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self-regulation

American  
[self-reg-yuh-ley-shuhn, self-] / ˌsɛlfˌrɛg jəˈleɪ 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.


Etymology

Origin of self-regulation

First recorded in 1685–95

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.

See Examples For:

As lawmakers in the United States and Europe weigh tougher regulations on screen time, age verification and in-game spending, Pierre-Louis argued the US gaming industry's track record of voluntary self-regulation sets it apart.

From Barron's Jun. 7, 2026

However, Duncan Smith said self-regulation had "proven ineffective across much of gambling policy" and called on the government to introduce "a robust regulatory framework with enforceable safeguards".

From BBC May 13, 2026

In an interview in December, before the controversy over the Maduro bets, Polymarket founder and chief executive Shayne Coplan said a form of self-regulation had emerged on the platform.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 5, 2026

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

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

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