Spanish word

autocontrol

Pronunciation

IPA/autokonˈtɾol/

Meaning

  • masculine nounself-control

Example

El autocontrol ayuda a tomar decisiones calmadas.

Self-control helps make calm decisions.

Illustration for autocontrol (self-control)

More examples

Es importante tener autocontrol durante una discusión.

It is important to have self-control during a discussion.

Core concept

Staying calm amid an emotional surge.

Common phrases

  • tener autocontrol

    have self-control

  • perder el autocontrol

    lose self-control

  • falta de autocontrol

    lack of self-control

Similar words

autodominio: Applies firm personal control to inhibit automatic emotional reactions.
control emocional: Regulates feelings and moods actively to maintain steady emotional functioning.
disciplina: Cultivates orderly behavior through practiced routines and sustained self-restraint.

Definition in Spanish

Facultad para mantener la calma y tomar decisiones reflexivas frente a impulsos o emociones fuertes.

Word origin

From Greek auto- 'self' plus control, with control tracing to Old French contre-rolle via Medieval Latin and carrying the sense of supervision.

Usage tips

  • As a noun it commonly appears in phrases like tener autocontrol, falta de autocontrol, and perder el autocontrol, while advice to restrain someone normally uses the reflexive verb controlarse.

Other meanings

  • self-restraintnoun
  • self-regulationnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word