self-drivenadj.
/ˌsɛlfˈdrɪvn/, U.S. /ˌsɛlfˈdrɪv(ə)n/ 1. Motivated or driven by one's own will or choice, rather than by pressure or encouragement from others. In later use often: spec. self-motivated, dynamic, hard-working; cf. driven adj. 5a.rare before 20th cent.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > [adjective] > motivated > specific
self-driven1694
well-motivated1885
self-motivated1900
profit-motivated1921
self-starting1940
1694 C. Mather Short Hist. New-Eng. 15 The Errors, which he ha's committed, when he ha's been Devil-driven..Passion-driven..Malice driven; Yea, or Self-driven.
1914 Spectator (N.Y.) 10 Dec. (Life Insurance Suppl.) 45/3 A man labors at his best when he is self-driven. There is a delight in satisfying the demands of self not to be enjoyed by those whose tasks are assigned to them.
2004 Grocer 10 Jan. 132/2 (advt.) You will be a self-driven and flexible professional, eager to manage all of the challenges that this role will present.
2. Of a machine, vehicle, etc.: that moves or operates under its own power; self-powered, esp. self-propelled. In later use also: designating a vehicle capable of travelling autonomously without input from a human operator; = self-driving adj. 2c.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > machines which impart power > motor > [adjective]
self-driven1789
motored1909
motorized1922
1789 W. Cowper Queen's Visit to London in Aberdeen Mag. 2 July 444 And rockets flew self-driv'n.
1894 R. M. Walmsley Electric Current xiv. 716 The only method, then, practically available in a self-driven electric tram-car is that the current should be generated chemically.
1898 Eng. Mechanic 9 Dec. 384/3 Mr. Nikola Tesla..has invented..a torpedo which, instead of being self-driven and self-steering,..is driven and steered by an operator on shore.
1945 Pop. Sci. Monthly Aug. 68 The newest tool of war is a self-driven arrow.
1995 New Scientist 28 Oct. 89/2 Hydraulic rams are self-driven static pumps, designed to raise water from underground watercourses.
2013 B. Davis Agile Practices for Waterfall Projects vi. 85 Google projects that they can cut the 1.2 million traffic deaths in the United States each year in half with self-driven cars.
3. Designating a car or other vehicle which one drives oneself, as opposed to one with a driver or chauffeur. Cf. self-drive adj.
ΚΠ
1879 U.S. Ann. Mining Rev. ii. 35 Mr. Haggin is seen in the Park frequently—if not with his self-driven mail-coach, then in his self-driven tandem box arrangement.
1932 R. Kipling Limits & Renewals 80 A natty little grey and black self-driven coupé came from Brighton way.
1971 Financial Times 5 Jan. 5/5 Mr. Bradfield finally put aside his self-driven Chevrolet and accepted a chauffer-driven Cadillac from the company.
2007 Canberra Times (Nexis) 13 Aug. a16 Aerial Taxis faces stiff competition from private cars, self-driven hire cars and illegal operators.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, January 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1694