SELF-RELIANT

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does self-reliant mean? 

• SELF-RELIANT (adjective)
  The adjective SELF-RELIANT has 1 sense:

1. (of persons) free from external control and constraint in e.g. action and judgment

  Familiarity information: SELF-RELIANT used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SELF-RELIANT (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(of persons) free from external control and constraint in e.g. action and judgment

Synonyms:

autonomous; self-directed; self-reliant

Similar:

independent (free from external control and constraint)

Derivation:

self-reliance (personal independence)

 Context examples 

It was, at least, a ticklish decision that he had to make; and self-reliant as he was by habit, he began to cherish a longing for advice.

(The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

I led the same secretly unhappy life; but I led it in the same lonely, self-reliant manner.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

I feared, oh so much, that the appalling nature of our danger was overcoming him when I saw his hand stretch out; but it was life to me to feel its touch—so strong, so self-reliant, so resolute.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

Trot, have you got to be firm and self-reliant?

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

On our way back, my aunt informed me how she confidently trusted that the life I was now to lead would make me firm and self-reliant, which was all I wanted.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

I wanted to see how you would come out of the trial, Trot; and you came out nobly—persevering, self-reliant, self-denying!

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)