self-possession
UK[ˌself pəˈzeʃn]US[ˌself pəˈzeʃn]
n
The state or quality of being calm, confident, and in control of one's feelings and behaviour, especially in a difficult situation.
Morpheme Breakdown
self
possession
self
possession
Etymology
The word is a compound formed in English from two distinct elements. 'Self' originates from the Old English 'self', a common Germanic root referring to one's own person or identity. 'Possession' derives from the Latin 'possessio', meaning the act or state of holding or controlling something, via Old French. When combined, the literal meaning "possession of oneself" creates a powerful metaphor. This evolved from a concrete notion of self-ownership to the modern abstract quality of maintaining inner control and composure, implying one's emotions and reactions are firmly under one's own command.
Analysis
Structure: self + possession
self (Old English): A prefix/root meaning one's own person.
possession (Latin): A noun meaning the state of having or owning something.
Examples
She answered the hostile questions with remarkable self-possession.
His self-possession in the face of danger inspired the whole team.
The actor's self-possession on stage made the performance seem effortless.