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

More than a self-help manual, Soul Sight is an invitation to change one’s vision. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025

This genuine desire to speak broadly to the human condition can veer, at times, toward New Age self-help. —Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025

The One Day at a Time star has been open with followers over the year in her self-help journey, including sharing her own experiences on knowing when to let go, finding self-love and using journaling as a cathartic release online. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025

Yann Gozlan’s psychological thriller Guru, which stars Pierre Niney as a charismatic and manipulative self-help guru, will close the festival this year. —Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 28 Oct. 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.