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

Domestic improvements that make your daily routine function better will encourage you to push to incorporate more self-help options throughout your home. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2024

Some critics question whether the company has the expertise to guide retreats safely; others worry about repackaging rich practices as self-help techniques. —By Naina Bajekal / Applegate, Calif., TIME, 7 Aug. 2024

Customers also want to solve their own problems through self-help services whenever possible. —John Kell, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2024

Smartphone addiction, like many other addictions, can be managed with help from doctors, addiction specialists, therapy, and self-help groups. —Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 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.