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SELF-COMMAND
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I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
The trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior
Synonyms:
possession; self-command; self-control; self-possession; self-will; will power; willpower
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Hypernyms ("self-command" is a kind of...):
firmness; firmness of purpose; resoluteness; resolution; resolve (the trait of being resolute)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "self-command"):
nerves (control of your emotions)
presence of mind (self-control in a crisis; ability to say or do the right thing in an emergency)
Context examples:
The business of self-command she settled very easily;—with strong affections it was impossible, with calm ones it could have no merit.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
He called it a sacrifice, and demanded it of her goodness and self-command as such.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
The Duke had dropped the last attempt at self-command, and was pacing the room with a convulsed face and with his clenched hands raving in the air.
(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
I do not doubt that she had a choice pleasure in exhibiting what she called her self-command, and her firmness, and her strength of mind, and her common sense, and the whole diabolical catalogue of her unamiable qualities, on such an occasion.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
This, with an iron nerve, a temper of the ice-brook, an indomitable resolution, self-command, and toleration exalted from virtues to blessings, and the kindliest and truest heart that beats—these form his equipment for the noble work that he is doing for mankind—work both in theory and practice, for his views are as wide as his all-embracing sympathy.
(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)
Harriet behaved extremely well on the occasion, with great self-command.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
Elinor's security sunk; but her self-command did not sink with it.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
The politeness which she had been brought up to practise as a duty made it impossible for her to escape; while the want of that higher species of self-command, that just consideration of others, that knowledge of her own heart, that principle of right, which had not formed any essential part of her education, made her miserable under it.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
The cheek was lovely but it was paled with emotion, the eyes were bright but it was the brightness of fever, the sensitive mouth was tight and drawn in an effort after self-command.
(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Considering the very superior claims of the object, it ought; and judging by its apparently stronger effect on Harriet's mind, producing reserve and self-command, it would.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
