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

Although the uncertain macro could delay Starbucks’ turnaround, this is more of a self-help story. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025

Are these self-help messages — which more young males need to learn — merely gateway drugs to more devious worldviews? —Andrew Reiner, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2025

The self-help guru first introduced the concept on her TikTok page in a series of videos, many of which have gone viral. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025

The brothers’ lawyers disputed this, saying Erik and Lyle have repeatedly apologized for their actions, shown remorse, and become model prisoners, launching multiple self-help and outreach programs that have transformed the lives of hundreds of other inmates. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 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.