self-control

noun

self-con·​trol ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl 

: restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires

self-controlled

ˌself-kən-ˈtrōld 

adjective

Synonyms

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

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

Researchers found that people who accepted their emotions while watching a sad video performed better on a later self-control task than those who tried to suppress their emotions. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

That means making sure the youngster can demonstrate enough self-control that allows the educational process to function. —Vincent Turley, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025

In America, self-control is framed as a personal choice — a way to get in shape or prove mental toughness before indulging again. —Julie Cobalt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025

For example, humility, self-awareness, self-control, moral sensitivity, social skills, emotional intelligence, kindness, prosocial and moral orientation, are all statistically more likely to be found in women than men. —Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-control

• amphibole
• asystole
• buttonhole
• casserole
• centriole
• decontrol
• glycerol
• metropole
• monopole
• multipole
• omeprazole
• oriole

Kids Definition

self-control

noun

self-con·​trol

ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl

: control over one's own impulses, emotions, or acts

self-controlled

-ˈtrōld

adjective