self-regulating

English

Adjective

self-regulating (comparative more self-regulating, superlative most self-regulating)

1. Describing something capable of controlling itself.

   The motor was self-regulating, until the governor broke and it suddenly raced out of control.

2. Describing an organization or other legal body that establishes standards for itself rather than having them legislated for it by government.

   Lawyers are self-regulating through the bar association, which sets standards and imposes penalties.