Phrase guide

help oneself

verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To serve oneself, especially to take food or other supplies, rather than wait to be served by another; used to indicate friendly permission or invitation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: reflexive

Examples

  • If you want to take a shower, help yourself to towels; they're in the linen closet.
  • Is it all right if I get some water? —Oh, of course, help yourself!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To take something freely; to serve oneself without restraint.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: reflexive

Examples

  • He said I could help myself to the chocolates.
  • He didn't even ask; he just helped himself to the special tea I was saving.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To exhibit self-control.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Sorry for eating all the chocolates - I couldn't help myself.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: contain oneself

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see help.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • God helps those who help themselves.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

abstain from doing; always used with a negative

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I can't help myself--I have to smoke
  • She could not help watching the sad spectacle

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: help

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: refrain, forbear

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

15 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 自己拿 (zìjǐ ná) — take something freely
  • Chinese Mandarin: 請便 /请便 (qǐngbiàn) — take something freely
  • Finnish: saada ottaa — take something freely
  • Finnish: voida ottaa — take something freely
  • French: se servir — take something freely
  • Galician: axudar — take something freely
  • German: sich bedienen — take something freely
  • Italian: servirsi — take something freely
  • Italian: favorire — take something freely
  • Japanese: 遠慮なく...する (enryo naku ... suru) — take something freely
  • Polish: częstować się — take something freely
  • Polish: poczęstować się — take something freely
  • Portuguese: servir-se — take something freely
  • Russian: угоща́ться (ugoščátʹsja) — take something freely
  • Swedish: ta för sig — take something freely