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

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

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.