self-appointed

[ self-uh-poin-tid ]

adjective

1. chosen by oneself to act in a certain capacity or to fulfill a certain function, especially pompously or self-righteously:

   a self-appointed guardian of the public's morals.

self-appointed

adjective

1. having assumed authority without the agreement of others

   a self-appointed critic

Other Words From

• self-ap·pointment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-appointed¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Satoshi created a complex computer system that would process transactions and create new coins using a huge network of self-appointed volunteers around the world who used special software and powerful computers.

From BBC

The singer and songwriter with the Olympic-athlete-level voice talks about her second career as the self-appointed Queen of Christmas.

From Los Angeles Times

Christopher was the group's self-appointed chief judge, with Martin and Sean Harper as his "sheriffs".

From BBC

Perrineau plays Boyd Stevens, the town’s self-appointed sheriff, who is trying to hold the community together while dealing with his own fears and trauma.

From Los Angeles Times

Once underestimated by her enemies, Martin, a self-appointed watchdog tuned into the plots and players in a small, gossipy community, has found that her message is radiating beyond the fields and steeples of Hood County.

From Los Angeles Times