n. 1. The act of aiding one's self, without depending on the aid of others. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Law) The right or fact of redressing or preventing wrongs by one's own action without recourse to legal proceedings, as in self-defense, distress, abatement of a nuisance, etc. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ] 3. developing one's capabilities or solving one's own problems, especially psychological problems, without the assistance of a professional, by independent study or by association with other individuals having similar interests. [ PJC ] |