self-styled; self-confined
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesverb
to style oneself as; to claim to be (often presumptuously)
derogatoryUsually carries a negative connotation, implying an unjustified or arrogant claim to a title, status, or expertise. Often used in the pattern 自封＋为＋title.
He claims to be a master, but it's just a self-appointed title.
This self-styled expert actually possesses no real talent or knowledge.
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Don't crown yourself king; let others recognize your worth.
verb
to confine oneself; to restrict oneself; to seal oneself off
literaryPrimarily used in the classical idiom 故步自封 (gù bù zì fēng), meaning to stick to convention and refuse to make progress. The character 封 here carries the meaning of 'to seal/enclose' rather than 'title'.
We cannot stand still and refuse to progress; we must be brave in innovating.
In this era of rapid development, any enterprise that confines itself to tradition will be eliminated.