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

But at Thursday’s captain’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena, the positive vibe-spouting Swayman – sounding like equal parts goaltender and self-help guru – was in attendance and eager to get training camp started. —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025

But experts warn that alongside the self-help appeal comes toxic misogyny and extremist ideas shaping how boys view women — and themselves. —Priya Kaur, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

Against this backdrop, daily life in Tel Aviv continues in bars, restaurants, self-help routines, segregation and physical exercise, avoiding common sense, adopting an allusive discourse and denying the development of a personal political conscience. —Uriel Kon september 2, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025

Wallace has authored several self-help books and delivered a TED talk in 2019. —Scott Huver, People.com, 1 Sep. 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.