self-determination

noun

self-de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-determination (audio)
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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Like Water for Chocolate is, at its core, a story about self-determination, and about the horrors, violent and otherwise, that can ensue when those with power deny others autonomy. Judy Berman, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024 As well as building an environment that encourages respectful conversations and disagreements, managers should also acknowledge that the simple act of voting can be good for mental health by fostering a sense of control, agency and self-determination. Alyssa Jaffer, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Unlike the crime thriller elements that are just OK, there’s energy, urgency and a convincing naturalism when the focus is on Yan and Sister taking brave and sometimes dangerous steps to reclaim their right to self-determination. Richard Kuipers, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024 With a potential Harris administration, the pathway to normalization between Jerusalem and Riyadh is viewed as contingent on Palestinian self-determination, with a visible pathway to a state. Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for self-determination 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-determination was circa 1670

Dictionary Entries Near self-determination

Cite this Entry

“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-determination. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on self-determination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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