Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process by which a person controls their own life: The ability or right to make your own choices and decisions without being controlled by others.
   • The process by which a country chooses its own government and political status: The right of a nation or people to govern itself independently.

Usage

• As a noun: "Self-determination" is an uncountable noun. It is used to describe a fundamental principle or right.
  • Personal self-determination is a key aspect of adult life.
  • The treaty recognized the people's right to self-determination.

Examples

• Personal autonomy:
  • The program aims to teach young adults skills for greater self-determination.
  • She fought for her self-determination against her family's wishes.
• National/political autonomy:
  • The colony sought self-determination and independence.
  • The principle of national self-determination was central to the peace negotiations.

Advanced Usage

• "Right to self-determination": A common phrase in international law and politics referring to the legal entitlement of peoples to freely determine their political status.
  • The United Nations Charter upholds the right to self-determination.
• "Self-determination theory": A psychological theory of motivation and personality concerning people's innate growth tendencies.
  • The researcher's work is grounded in self-determination theory.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-determining (adjective): Having the ability or right to determine one's own acts or states.
  • A self-determining individual.
  • A self-determining territory.
• Determine (verb): To decide or settle conclusively.
• Determination (noun): The quality of being resolute; firmness of purpose.

Synonyms

• Autonomy: The right or condition of self-government; personal freedom.
• Independence: Freedom from outside control or support.
• Sovereignty: Supreme power or authority, especially of a state to govern itself.

Antonyms

• Dependence: The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else.
• Subjugation: The action of bringing someone or something under domination or control.
• Compulsion: The action or state of forcing or being forced to do something.

Related Phrases

• "Exercise self-determination": To actively use or implement one's right to choose.
  • The people were finally able to exercise their self-determination.
• "Deny self-determination": To refuse or prevent the right to choose.
  • The occupying power was accused of denying the population self-determination.

Noun

1. determination of one's own fate or course of action without compulsion
2. government of a political unit by its own people