self-mastery

noun

self-mas·​tery ˌself-ˈmas-t(ə-)rē 

: the ability to control one's own desires or impulses : self-control, self-discipline

However, I realized the wisdom of Rooke's advice, and went away by myself to get over my anger and reacquire my self-mastery.

—Bram Stoker

Self-esteem that is not backed by self-mastery becomes narcissism.

—Gracie Bonds Staples

Synonyms

• continence
• restraint
• self-command
• self-containment
• self-control
• self-discipline
• self-government
• self-possession
• self-restraint
• will
• willpower

Examples of self-mastery in a Sentence

she had remarkable self-mastery for one so young

Recent Examples on the Web

Those who mastered these high summits did so by first achieving self-mastery, reaching through prayer and meditation a higher realm of almost superhuman awareness and power. —Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2024

Set intentions for self-mastery under today’s Capricorn new moon. —USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024

Another camp — call it the dissident center — has produced swaggering figures like Joe Rogan, whose version of masculinity revolves around transgressive speech and macho self-mastery through martial arts. —Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2023

However, relinquishing control once in a while teaches you that making mistakes is a big part of your journey toward self-mastery. —Narayana Montúfar, Women's Health, 11 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above