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

In her self-help book, How to Be a Chingona in the Face of Fear (which comes out in English this summer), Gallardo shares her journey from crossing the border at 18 to gracing the cover of Vogue México. —Mickey Rapkin, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2025

In my opinion, some of the self-help content available to us can be beneficial, while some of it may be detrimental. —Stephanie Dillon, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025

Most self-help books are not rooted in neuroscience, psychology or behavioral science. —Ranju Kunwor, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025

Behind the Stare Gen Z self-help expert Tam Kaur told Newsweek that the stare is often rooted in self-consciousness and burnout. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 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.