self-help

noun

ˈself-ˈhelp How to pronounce self-help (audio)
 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Broad stabs of satire target the hypocritical, patriarchal victim-blaming enacted by the police and other authorities, as well as privileged self-help rhetoric that stresses comforting concepts like resilience over the collective’s preference for rage. Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 May 2025 The self-help bona fides were clear from the title: Wurst was emerging from the ashes of past troubles, and nobody could stop her. Miriam Quick, New York Times, 15 May 2025 Since their conviction, the brothers have gotten an education, participated in self-help classes and started various support groups for their fellow inmates. Jaimie Ding, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025 In 2020, Mendes, 26, read Shetty’s self-help book Think Like a Monk and reached out to the life coach. Brendan Le, People.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-help

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-help was in 1628

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Cite this Entry

“Self-help.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-help. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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.

More from Merriam-Webster on self-help

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