self-help

noun

ˈself-ˈhelp 

Southern also ˈhep

: the action or process of bettering oneself or overcoming one's problems without the aid of others

especially : the coping with one's personal or emotional problems without professional help

self-help adjective

Examples of self-help in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the past 10 years, the misogyny of the manosphere has become more open and strident, but the big innovation seems to have been combining that conspiratorial misogyny with earnest self-help advice. — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

The result is a death knell for the only indispensable element in self-help, which is the author’s authority. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026

Penthouses are being sold for tens of millions of dollars, reportedly attracting buyers including soccer superstar Lionel Messi and self-help guru Tony Robbins. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Typically, at this age, the B and C-listers typically turn into self-help gurus who suddenly start praying to some butterfly goddess while on a retreat in Costa Rica. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-help

• help
• kelp
• skelp
• whelp
• yelp

Kids Definition

self-help

noun

ˈself-ˈhelp

: the act of bettering oneself or overcoming one's problems without aid of others

Legal Definition

self-help

noun

ˈself-ˈhelp

: the act of redressing or preventing a wrong by one's own actions rather than through legal proceedings

Note: The Uniform Commercial Code permits creditors to repossess collateral by self-help if it can be done without a breach of the peace.