self-respect

noun

self-re·​spect ˌself-ri-ˈspekt How to pronounce self-respect (audio)
1
: a proper respect for oneself as a human being
2
: regard for one's own standing or position

Examples of self-respect in a Sentence

getting a job and moving out of his parents' house did a lot to increase his self-respect
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Still, one hopes that other universities that find themselves in the administration’s crosshairs — and there are many of them now — follow Harvard’s example and make self-respect, and respect for the law, unsurprising again. M. Gessen, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2025 In a world wired for hustle, that choice becomes a radical act of self-respect. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 But Scott has the power of love on his side (though the power of self-respect would serve him better) and, like many an underdog, relies more on clever trickery than physical prowess to win most of the battles. Ew Staff, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025 These team members proudly held on to their self-respect & dignity! Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 And what happened to good old-fashioned self-respect? Tomris Laffly, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025 Morehouse continues to carry this torch, demonstrating that true sartorial excellence is rooted in legacy, identity, and self-respect. Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2025 Reclaim your self-respect, stand firm in your values and opinions and be willing to speak up or say no. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 Why does Sip not have the self-respect to walk away from this toxic work environment? Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 19 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-respect was in 1765

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-respect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-respect. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-respect

noun
self-re·​spect
ˌsel-fri-ˈspekt
1
: a proper respect for oneself as a human being
2
: regard for one's own standing or position
self-respecting
-ˈspek-tiŋ
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on self-respect

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