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

The self-help high fades fast when no one around you believes bigger is possible. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

Later, he’s sent into a tailspin after accidentally shooting a young boy, which complicates his undercover work within a sinister self-help cult. —Bob Verini, Variety, 4 June 2025

Read: The self-help that no one needs right now Researchers acquainted with RTM, meanwhile, are largely skeptical of it. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025

Past and present residents include Oracle founder Larry Ellison, boxing promotor Don King, self-help guru Tony Robbins, and TV presenter Sean Hannity. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 June 2025

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.