self-determination

noun

self-de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: free choice of one's own acts or states without external compulsion

2

: determination by the people of a territorial unit of their own future political status

Synonyms

• accord
• autonomy
• choice
• free will
• volition
• will

Examples of self-determination in a Sentence

the United States officially recognizes 18 as the age at which someone is entitled to self-determination

rebels fighting for the territory's self-determination

Recent Examples on the Web

By rallying allies to politically and economically isolate Tehran’s regime and intensify sanctions against those guilty of human rights abuses, the U.S. can significantly empower the Iranian people towards self-determination and achieving such an objective. —Kazem Kazerounian, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2024

But those who denied Jews had the right to self-determination and freedom in their homeland were antisemitic, according to the ADL. —David Goldman, CNN, 20 June 2024

Juneteenth and Flag Day celebrate freedom and the importance of self-determination. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 19 June 2024

For Hsiao and all of Taiwan, the impetus is to win the argument regarding the island’s right to self-determination in the court of global opinion to help stave off any potential conflict. —Charlie Campbell / Taipei, TIME, 13 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

self-determination

noun

self-de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion

ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən

1

: free choice of one's own acts without outside pressure

2

: the deciding by the people of a place of the form of government they will have