Self-government — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌself-ˈgə-vər(n)-mənt/ self-gov·ern·ment

Meaning & Definition of Self-government

Self-government (noun)

  1. self-control, self-command
  2. government under the control and direction of the inhabitants of a political unit rather than by an outside authority; broadly, control of one's own affairs

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

  1. government in which the supreme power is held by the people and used by them directly or indirectly through representation

    "self-government implies faith in the wisdom and essential goodness of the people"

    similar: democracy, republic, self-rule
    related: pure democracy, home rule, self-determination, autonomy, sovereignty
    near: despotism, dictatorship, monarchy, monocracy, totalitarianism, tyranny

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

    "steely self-government was all that kept her from lashing out at the rude customer"

    similar: continence, restraint, self-command, self-containment, self-control, self-discipline, 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

  3. the state of being free from the control or power of another

    "championed self-government for the nation's indigenous peoples"

    similar: autonomy, freedom, independence, independency, liberty, self-determination, self-governance, sovereignty
    related: emancipation, enfranchisement, liberation, manumission, release
    opposite: dependence, heteronomy, subjection, unfreedom
    near: captivity, enchainment, enslavement, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration, internment, subjugation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Self-government

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

democracy, republic, self-rule, continence, restraint, self-command, self-containment, self-control, self-discipline, self-mastery, self-possession, self-restraint, will, willpower, autonomy, freedom, independence, independency, liberty, self-determination, self-governance, sovereignty

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Self-government

Words with the opposite meaning of Self-government:

dependence, heteronomy, subjection, unfreedom

Related Words for Self-government

pure democracy, home rule, 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

Near Antonyms of Self-government

despotism, dictatorship, monarchy, monocracy, totalitarianism, tyranny, gratification, indulgence, self-indulgence, excessiveness, immoderacy, intemperance, intemperateness, overindulgence, demerit, failing, fault, feebleness, foible, frailty, shortcoming, vice, weakness, indiscipline, unconstraint, unreserve, unreservedness, unrestraint, captivity, enchainment

Origin & Etymology of Self-government

First known use: 1622

Frequently Asked Questions about Self-government

What does "Self-government" mean?

"Self-government" means self-control, self-command. As a noun, it is defined as: self-control, self-command. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Self-government"?

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

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

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

What is the opposite of "Self-government"?

Antonyms of "Self-government" include dependence, heteronomy, subjection and unfreedom. Near antonyms include despotism, dictatorship, monarchy and monocracy.

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

Examples of "Self-government" in a sentence: "self-government implies faith in the wisdom and essential goodness of the people"; "steely self-government was all that kept her from lashing out at the rude customer"; "championed self-government for the nation's indigenous peoples".

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

"Self-government" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Self-government"?

"Self-government" is pronounced /ˌself-ˈgə-vər(n)-mənt/ and divided into syllables as self-gov·ern·ment.

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

First known use: 1622.