self-possession

American  

[self-puh-zesh-uhn, self-] / ˈsɛlf pəˈzɛʃ ən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. the quality of being self-possessed; control of one's feelings, behavior, etc.; composure; poise.

---

Etymology

Origin of self-possession

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

But nothing comes across more clearly in “Queen of Chess” than Judit Polgár’s unruffled self-possession.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

The 20-year-old back row has swagger and self-possession, and a side order of skulduggery.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2025

It’s given me this facility, and this self-possession.

From Salon • Aug. 11, 2024

Lagerfeld’s self-possession translated to a perpetually composed demeanor.

From New York Times • Jun. 6, 2024

I hesitated a moment, like a diver on the brink, then lost my nerve and my tutored self-possession, saying, “Yes, I believe so—he comes into the restaurant for his meals.”

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier