self-treatment

noun

self-treat·​ment ˌself-ˈtrēt-mənt How to pronounce self-treatment (audio)
plural self-treatments
: the act or an instance of medicating oneself or treating one's own disease without medical supervision or intervention
Unlike other foot problems, bunions are not amenable to self-treatment.—Consumer Reports
Some attempt risky self-treatments, such as bathing in kerosene or bleach …—Aimee Cunningham
self-treat
ˌself-ˈtrēt How to pronounce self-treatment (audio)
transitive verb
self-treated; self-treating; self-treats
self-treat athlete's foot

Examples of self-treatment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The increase in chronic diseases and health problems in our society often entails the need for home care or self-treatment at home. — IEEE Spectrum, 23 Feb. 2023 Some psychedelic medications hold great promise, but people should be wary of self-treatment. — Leana Wen, Washington Post, 5 Feb. 2026 That may mean multiple visits with a practitioner or consistent self-treatment. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 July 2025 The fear of legal consequences discourages users from seeking medical help, pushing them towards risk self-treatment. — New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-treatment

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-treatment was in 1823

Rhymes for self-treatment

See All Rhymes for self-treatment

Browse Nearby Words

self-transformation
self-treatment
self-trust
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-treatment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-treatment. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

self-treatment

noun
self-treat·​ment ˈself-ˈtrēt-mənt How to pronounce self-treatment (audio)
: the act or an instance of medicating oneself or treating one's own disease without medical supervision or intervention
Unlike other foot problems, bunions are not amenable to self-treatment.—Consumer Reports
self-treat transitive verb
self-treated; self-treating
self-treat poison ivy
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