Main Entry:

them·selves

Pronunciation:

\thəm-ˈselvz, them-\

Function:

pronoun plural

Date:

13th century

1 a: those identical ones that are they — compare they 1a —used reflexively, for emphasis, or in absolute constructions <nations that govern themselves><they themselves were present><themselves busy, they disliked idleness in others> b: himself or herself : himself, herself —used with an indefinite third person singular antecedent <nobody can call themselves oppressed — Leonard Wibberley>2: their normal, healthy, or sane condition <were themselves again after a night's rest>

usage see they