self-government

[ self-guhv-ern-muhnt, -er-muhnt, self- ]

noun

1. control of the government of a state, community, or other body by its own members; democratic government.
2. the condition of being self-governed.
3. self-control.

self-government

noun

1. the government of a country, nation, etc, by its own people
2. the state of being self-controlled
3. an archaic term for self-control

Derived Forms

• ˌself-ˈgoverned, adjective
• ˌself-ˈgoverning, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-government¹

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

Roberts cited vague notions of “self-government” as the driving force in his desire for the United States to confront China.

From Salon

Vance ignored the fact that GOP idol Ronald Reagan repeatedly insisted that "America is freedom" and that what defines America is not an ethnicity but that "we believe in our capacity for self-government."

From Salon

This system of self-government is dysfunctional and leads to "harmful power dynamics, acts of violence and conflicts between inmates", Bujakera said.

From BBC

Greenland is an autonomous Danish dependent territory with self-government and its own parliament.

From BBC

Swinney insists: "Scottish self-government is the right way forward for Scotland."

From BBC

Related Words

• autonomy
• discretion
• flexibility
• immunity
• independence
• sovereignty