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.
Zac, leaning into vulnerability with rhyme, delivered zingers that bordered on self-help. Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 May 2025 More than 330 are enrolled in educational courses, and 263 are involved in self-help classes. Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025 Although the uncertain macro could delay Starbucks’ turnaround, this is more of a self-help story. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025 Are these self-help messages — which more young males need to learn — merely gateway drugs to more devious worldviews? Andrew Reiner, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 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 17 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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