Self-control — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl/ self-con·trol

Meaning & Definition of Self-control

Self-control (noun)

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

Self-control (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions

    "toddlers have very little self-control"

    similar: continence, restraint, self-command, self-containment, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, self-possession, self-restraint, will, willpower
    related: self-abnegation, self-denial, moderateness, moderation, temperance, temperateness, determination, nerve, command, control, discipline, mastery, abnegation, abstention, avoidance, eschewal, forbearance, abstinence, soberness, sobriety, aplomb, assurance, composure, confidence, coolness, equanimity, poise, self-confidence, discretion
    near: gratification, indulgence, self-indulgence, excessiveness, immoderacy, intemperance, intemperateness, overindulgence, demerit, failing, fault, feebleness, foible, frailty, shortcoming, vice, weakness, indiscipline, unconstraint, unreserve, unreservedness, unrestraint

  2. the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others

    "she could be passionate and intense, but generally exercised steely self-control in the company of strangers"

    similar: constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-restraint, suppression
    related: command, control, mastery, possession, self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower, composure, self-poise, self-possession, aloofness, detachedness, distance, bashfulness, modesty, shyness, reticence, silence, taciturnity
    opposite: disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint
    near: self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence, bluntness, candor, frankness, immoderacy, intemperance

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Self-control

The most common words with a similar meaning to Self-control:

continence, restraint, self-command, self-containment, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, self-possession, self-restraint, will, willpower, constraint, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve, suppression

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Self-control

Words with the opposite meaning of Self-control:

disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint

Related Words for Self-control

self-abnegation, self-denial, moderateness, moderation, temperance, temperateness, determination, nerve, command, control, mastery, abnegation, abstention, avoidance, eschewal, forbearance, abstinence, soberness, sobriety, aplomb, assurance, composure, confidence, coolness, equanimity, poise, self-confidence, possession, self-censorship, self-poise

Near Antonyms of Self-control

gratification, indulgence, self-indulgence, excessiveness, immoderacy, intemperance, intemperateness, overindulgence, demerit, failing, fault, feebleness, foible, frailty, shortcoming, vice, weakness, indiscipline, unreserve, unreservedness, unrestraint, self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, bluntness, candor, frankness

Word Forms of Self-control

Derived words: self-controlled (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Self-control

First known use: 1653

Words & Phrases Containing Self-control

lose all self-control

Frequently Asked Questions about Self-control

What does "Self-control" mean?

"Self-control" means restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires. As a noun, it is defined as: restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Self-control"?

Other words for "Self-control" include continence, restraint, self-command, self-containment, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery and self-possession. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Self-control" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Self-control"?

There are 58 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Self-control". Common alternatives include continence, restraint, self-command, self-containment, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, self-possession, self-restraint and will.

What is the opposite of "Self-control"?

Antonyms of "Self-control" include disinhibition, incontinence and unconstraint. Near antonyms include gratification, indulgence, self-indulgence and excessiveness.

How do you use "Self-control" in a sentence?

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".

Is "Self-control" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Self-control" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Self-control"?

"Self-control" is pronounced /ˌself-kən-ˈtrōl/ and divided into syllables as self-con·trol.

What is the origin of the word "Self-control"?

First known use: 1653.