self-enforcing

adjective

self-en·​forc·​ing ˌself-in-ˈfȯr-siŋ How to pronounce self-enforcing (audio)
: containing in itself the authority or means that provide for its enforcement

Examples of self-enforcing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Advocates of the Geneva Conventions argue that a self-enforcing set of rules is at least more powerful than no rules at all. Charli Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, 9 May 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-enforcing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-enforcing was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near self-enforcing

Cite this Entry

“Self-enforcing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-enforcing. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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