self-possession

[ self-puh-zesh-uhn, self- ]

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-possession¹

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

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

From Salon

She is a poignant picture of frayed dignity, her aristocratic self-possession increasingly brittle as the story progresses toward it sad denouement.

From New York Times

This self-possession is apparent in one of the six photographs published as part of Detour’s 1995 music issue.

From Los Angeles Times

Of the four, he has the most fully-formed act, is the most convincing storyteller, and seems to have the self-possession required for stand-up.

From BBC

I think that people in general wish that they had more of that self-possession that Wednesday has, and that refusal to let anybody else’s opinions change her or make her feel bad.

From Los Angeles Times