self-enforcing

[ self-en-fawr-sing, -fohr- ]

adjective

1. of or having the capability of enforcement within oneself or itself; self-regulating.

Other Words From

• self-en·forcement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-enforcing¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

But eventually, the community adopted and even started self-enforcing them.

From Seattle Times

But the question is why it failed; after all, treaties are not self-enforcing.

From Salon

Among the recommendations put forth by the city report is investing in so-called “self-enforcing infrastructure,” such as narrower streets, dedicated bike lanes and more clearly marked pedestrian crosswalks.

From Los Angeles Times

Thus, some cities can employ “a little bit of psychology” by designing “self-enforcing” roads that regulate speeds through changes, for example, to the width of a roadway or shoulder or the creation of more intersections.

From Los Angeles Times

The prohibition against firing the missiles into Russia would be self-enforcing, he added.

From Los Angeles Times