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

Our shock is not from indecency, but from the absence of self-possession, the ultimate bourgeois possession.

From The Daily Beast

For Ann Romney, let self-possession begin with something in a nice, bracing solid.

From The Daily Beast

British-born, he had a level of self-possession that seemed virtually Bond-like in the urbanity vacuum of CBS prime time.

From The Daily Beast

All of this points to the larger issue of the true self-possession that any artist needs in order to be great and fully realized.

From The Daily Beast

One can only hope he will accept his accolades with the grace and self-possession he has now.

From The Daily Beast

Her tall figure—she was taller than he by at least three inches—was beautiful in its commanding, yet not vulgar, self-possession.

From Project Gutenberg

Regaining his self-possession by a visible effort, he crossed to a small side-table upon which the instrument rested.

From Project Gutenberg

She passed through all their examinations with the most perfect composure and the most dignified self-possession.

From Project Gutenberg

But I soon recovered some remnants of self-possession, and began feeling for the knob I could no longer see.

From Project Gutenberg

Ease of action need not imply laziness, but simply polite self-possession.

From Project Gutenberg