What is the Latin word for self-control?

The usual Latin words for “self-control” are temperō, moderātiō, modestia; also libīdō. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

English → Latin

“self-control” in Latin

temperōto divide duly, qualify, temper, moderate; to combine, compound or blend properly; to rule, regulate, govern, manage, ar moderātiōmoderation; self-control; guidance modestiamoderation, sophrosyne; modesty libīdōdesire, fancy, inclination, longing, pleasure, caprice, passion, wantonness; lust, sensuality

Riddle & Arnold A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon, 1864

self-control

temperantia (opposed to libido): moderatio (opposed to effrenata cupiditas): modestia (opposed to petulantia): cuntinentia (opposed to luxuria, libido). To exercise self-control, sibimet ipsi temperare; in se ipsum habere potestatem; se habere in potestate

Quick answer

What is the Latin word for self-control?: The usual Latin words for “self-control” are temperō, moderātiō, modestia; also libīdō. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

Entry from J. E. Riddle & T. K. Arnold, A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon (rev. C. Anthon, New York: Harper, 1864), digitised by Fergus J. P. Walsh, CC BY-SA 4.0; Latin markup adapted by latindictionary.co.