self-control
self-control — noun
1. The skill of keeping your emotions and desires from controlling what you say or
The skill of keeping your emotions and desires from controlling what you say or do, especially in difficult situations.
Kemi showed remarkable self-control when she did not shout back at the rude customer.
show + self-control when resisting an urge
Ilan needed great self-control to walk away from that argument before saying something hurtful.
need + self-control to avoid reacting
Developing self-control as a teen helped Sumin focus on her goals instead of short-term fun.
The children amazed their babysitter with their self-control, waiting for a turn on the swing.
Walid's strict exercise routine requires a great deal of self-control, especially on cold winter mornings.
- restraint
More about holding back from expressing something, often in a social or physical context (e.g., 'show restraint during a debate').
- willpower
Focuses on the mental determination to resist temptation or achieve a difficult goal (e.g., 'the willpower to quit smoking').
- composure
Specifically refers to staying calm under pressure, especially in social or emotional situations (e.g., 'keep your composure during an interview').
- impulsiveness
Acting quickly without thinking about the consequences.
- indulgence
The habit of letting yourself do or have what you want without restriction.
文法句型
noun: have/show/exercise/lose + self-control
noun: self-control + over + noun phrase
用法筆記
This noun is uncountable and is often followed by 'over' when naming the specific impulse or behaviour being managed (e.g., 'self-control over one's temper'). It may also take a 'to'-infinitive describing an action that the person resists or performs through willpower ('the self-control to say no').