self-determination

noun

self-de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-determination (audio)
1
: free choice of one's own acts or states without external compulsion
2
: determination by the people of a territorial unit of their own future political status

Examples of self-determination in a Sentence

the United States officially recognizes 18 as the age at which someone is entitled to self-determination rebels fighting for the territory's self-determination
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As voters in a republic who are supposed exercise self-determination, that's on us. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025 People were expressing a desire for white self-determination. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025 These lessons also gave them awareness and knowledge of the media’s influence in shaping realities, the dangers of miseducation, and the ways misinformation could undermine Black self-determination. Mickell Carter / Made By History, TIME, 19 Feb. 2025 Some of us have a vision for our lives but lack self-determination due to fear, trauma, or self-doubt. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-determination

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-determination was circa 1670

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Cite this Entry

“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-determination. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-determination

noun
self-de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion
ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən
1
: free choice of one's own acts without outside pressure
2
: the deciding by the people of a place of the form of government they will have

More from Merriam-Webster on self-determination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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