Self-Control Vocabulary

the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior

“Self-discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

Origin: Latin 'disciplina' (instruction, knowledge)

control exerted to do something or restrain impulses

“Diets often fail when willpower runs out.”

Origin: English 'will' + 'power'

the state of acting against one's better judgment; weakness of will

“Procrastination is a common form of akrasia.”

Origin: Greek 'akrasia' (lack of command)

the ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward and wait for a later reward

“The marshmallow test measures delayed gratification in children.”

Origin: Psychological concept

severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence

“The monk lived a life of rigorous asceticism.”

Origin: Greek 'asketes' (monk, hermit), originally 'one who practices/exercises'

the endurance of pain or hardship without the display of feelings and without complaint

“He faced the crisis with a stoicism that calmed everyone around him.”

Origin: Greek 'Stoa' (painted porch where Zeno taught)

unemotional, dispassionate, or moderate behavior; self-control

“She showed great restraint in not responding to the insult.”

Origin: Latin 'restringere' (to hold back)