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.
On June 26, 1975, agents came to Pine Ridge to serve arrest warrants amid battles over Native treaty rights and self-determination. CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025 Garvey, father of the Pan-Africanist movement, civil & human rts leader, entrepreneur & global icon symbolizes Black liberation & self-determination. David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025 For an agreement that would enable self-determination, freedom of movement, fair land ownership for the people. Laurel Dalrymple, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025 Locked into agreements with institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), its economic self-determination was severely constrained. Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 16 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near self-determination

Cite this Entry

“Self-determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-determination. Accessed 23 Jan. 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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