self-enforcing

American

[self-en-fawr-sing, -fohr-] / ˈsɛlf ɛnˈfɔr sɪŋ, -ˈfoʊr- /

adjective

of or having the capability of enforcement within oneself or itself; self-regulating.

Other Word Forms

self-enforcement noun

Etymology

Origin of self-enforcing

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Once society selects a date, however, that date becomes self-enforcing.

From The Wall Street Journal

As Michelle Lapointe, legal director at American Immigration Council, told Slate, administrative subpoenas are not self-enforcing.

From Slate

But eventually, the community adopted and even started self-enforcing them.

From Seattle Times

But the question is why it failed; after all, treaties are not self-enforcing.

From Salon

Among the recommendations put forth by the city report is investing in so-called “self-enforcing infrastructure,” such as narrower streets, dedicated bike lanes and more clearly marked pedestrian crosswalks.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023