the process of establishing oneself as a whole person, able to develop one's abilitiesand to understand oneself
self-actualization in American English
(ˈsɛlfˌæktʃuəlɪˈzeɪʃən)
noun
full development of one's abilities, ambitions, etc.
self-actualization in American English
(ˈselfˌæktʃuːələˈzeiʃən, ˌselfæk-)
noun
Psychology
the achievement of one's full potential through creativity, independence, spontaneity, and a grasp of the real world
Also called: actualization
Word origin
[1935–40]This word is first recorded in the period 1935–40. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Arts and Crafts Movement, Rhodesian ridgeback, blitz, prime mover, unit trust
Examples of 'self-actualization' in a sentence
self-actualization
It is the ultimate symbol of middle-aged self-actualization.
Globe and Mail (2003)
Those in power were squandering the environment, while rugged individualism and self-actualization were replacing any sort of collectivism.