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 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, 8 Jan. 2025

People also find mental health support through journaling, exercise, prayer, talking with trusted friends, and reading self-help books. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025

In the 2023 series, which was canceled after one season, Depp played pop star Jocelyn, who returns to the limelight after a nervous breakdown forced her to cancel her last tour, becoming involved with self-help guru Tedros (The Weeknd) and his cult. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Jan. 2025

Williamson, 72, is a New Age self-help author who unsuccessfully sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and 2024. —Kyler Alvord, People.com, 26 Dec. 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.