self-support

[ self-suh-pawrt, -pohrt, self- ]

noun

1. the supporting or maintaining of oneself or itself without reliance on outside aid.

Other Words From

• self-sup·ported adjective
• self-sup·ported·ness noun
• self-sup·porting adjective
• self-sup·porting·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-support¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

A country so steeped in manmade misfortunes, so proud of its ethos of self-support, was caught unaware when nature struck.

From The Daily Beast

She saw herself condemned to stand alone, and at a season when she was not strengthened by pure self-support.

From Project Gutenberg

How often has the dignity of self-support and self-respect been gained when an external prop has been removed!

From Project Gutenberg

Here my self-support gave way all at once, and I broke into a passion of crying.

From Project Gutenberg

Girls are kept as long as necessary to train for self-support.

From Project Gutenberg

So long accustomed to submit to and lean upon despotic authority, its various nationalities had lost the power of self-support.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• autonomy
• independence
• self-reliance