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

The company’s publishing arm, which produces those ubiquitous self-help books that were once a worldwide phenomenon, isn’t affected by the bankruptcy filing of its entertainment unit. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 1 July 2024

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment spun off from the self-help book publishing outfit via an initial public offering in 2017. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 1 July 2024

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. — the seller of self-help books, film and television content — filed for bankruptcy after failing to outrun a heavy debt load. —Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 29 June 2024

The self-help expert’s guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones via tiny changes in behavior. —The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

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.