self-identification

American  

[self-ahy-den-tuh-fi-key-shuhn, -i-den-, self-] / ˈsɛlf aɪˌdɛn tə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən, -ɪˌdɛn-, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. identification of oneself with some other person or thing.

---

Etymology

Origin of self-identification

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

An alleged victim’s self-identification as such, Mr. Clayton told the judges, is all that is required for the department to conceal records on her behalf or remove records entirely.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

As in nondigital spaces, the motivation behind that self-identification can be born from a genuine desire to share and connect with others, or it can be ego-driven.

From Slate • Sep. 10, 2025

"I seemed weak and evasive. Worst of all, I sounded like I didn't have the courage to stand behind the logical conclusion of the self-identification system we had just legislated for," she writes.

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2025

"I started to learn what misogyny was, and I started to learn what patriarchy was," Schneider explained about her move from the religious right to her current self-identification as a moderate.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2024

That is, the identity of one entity is related to the identity of others in relation to which self-identification takes place.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai