self-control

noun

self-con·​trol ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl How to pronounce self-control (audio)
: restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires
self-controlled adjective

Examples of self-control in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While stomachs are empty, Muslims practice self-control while taking advantage of this month to accumulate blessings and spiritual discipline. The Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2024 For example, humility, self-awareness, self-control, moral sensitivity, social skills, emotional intelligence, kindness, a prosocial and moral orientation, are all more likely to be found in women than men. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The overall purpose of Ash Wednesday is to honor the 40 days that Christ spent in the desert by fasting and practicing self-control. Maeghan Dolph, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2024 Regardless of the underlying motivation—whether a desire for negative information, loss of self-control or the endless stream of news—doomscrolling ultimately leads to a harmful pattern of behavior that can take a toll on our mental health. Mark Travers, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024 There’s no need to be ashamed; a lack of self-control isn’t fully to blame. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2024 Powerful feelings could overload our self-control and ambition in a similar manner! Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 21 Jan. 2024 The thought-provoking content is likely to inspire discussions about Wilkerson’s ideas and the movie’s themes of courage, integrity, self-control and perseverance. Common Sense Media, Washington Post, 19 Jan. 2024 Portman and Moore don’t look like average women but resemble drag queens specializing in stealthy passion and uneasy self-control — one a professional parasite and the other a pathetic sociopath, each fronting rictus grins. Armond White, National Review, 10 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-control.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-control was in 1653

Dictionary Entries Near self-control

Cite this Entry

“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-control. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-control

noun
self-con·​trol
ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl
: control over one's own impulses, emotions, or acts
self-controlled
-ˈtrōld
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on self-control

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