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

toddlers have very little self-control she could be passionate and intense, but generally exercised steely self-control in the company of strangers
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.
She, too, is tickled by her own sense of perfectionism, and those glimpses of vulnerability were a form of self-control all along. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025 Research on ego depletion finds that pushing beyond natural limits drains self-control resources, leading to poor decisions and lower productivity. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Everyone in New York City wants to keep this restaurant to themselves, but self-control doesn’t come easy. The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025 Myers took her Seventh Dan exam in July, where she was tested on her form, technique, strength, self-control, knowledge and agility. Nicole Stracek, Twin Cities, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-control

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-control. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!