autoaplicarse

To apply something to oneself, or to use/enforce a rule on oneself — se autoaplicó la misma sanción que exige a los demás. Common in contexts of self-discipline, medication, or holding oneself to a standard.

• El comité se autoaplicó las mismas reglas que impone a los demás. — The committee applied the same rules to itself that it imposes on others.
• Se autoaplicó la crema sin ayuda de nadie. — She applied the cream to herself without anyone's help.
• El político se autoaplicó una reducción de sueldo. — The politician applied a pay cut to himself.

Confusing autoaplicarse with autoadministrarse — autoaplicarse leans toward applying a rule, standard, or topical treatment to oneself, while autoadministrarse is broader (medication, resources, management).

Often confused with autoadministrarse.