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self-control

noun

  1. ability to regulate one's thoughts and behavior
L327414 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˌsɛlf kənˈtɹoʊl/ / /ˌsɛlf kənˈtɹəʊl/

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *swé? Proto-Indo-European *selbʰ-der. Proto-Germanic *selbaz Old English self Old English self- Middle English self- English self- English control English self-control From self- + control.

  1. The ability to control one's desires and impulses.

    Near-synonym: willpower

    A review of addiction research, published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, suggests mindful meditation strengthens self-control in smokers, even among those smokers who haven’t set an intention to quit.

verb

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *swé? Proto-Indo-European *selbʰ-der. Proto-Germanic *selbaz Old English self Old English self- Middle English self- English self- English control English self-control From self- + control.

  1. To control oneself or itself.