self-possession

American  

[self-puh-zesh-uhn, self-] / ˈsɛlf pəˈzɛʃ ən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. the quality of being self-possessed; control of one's feelings, behavior, etc.; composure; poise.

---

Etymology

Origin of self-possession

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

self-possession

But nothing comes across more clearly in “Queen of Chess” than Judit Polgár’s unruffled self-possession.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 5, 2026

It’s given me this facility, and this self-possession.

From Salon ● Aug. 11, 2024

Of the four, he has the most fully-formed act, is the most convincing storyteller, and seems to have the self-possession required for stand-up.

From BBC ● Aug. 22, 2023

I think that people in general wish that they had more of that self-possession that Wednesday has, and that refusal to let anybody else’s opinions change her or make her feel bad.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 8, 2023

I hesitated a moment, like a diver on the brink, then lost my nerve and my tutored self-possession, saying, “Yes, I believe so—he comes into the restaurant for his meals.”

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier