themselves

American  

[thuhm-selvz, them-] / ðəmˈsɛlvz, ˌðɛm- /

pronoun

1. a reflexive form of plural they used as the direct or indirect object of a verb or the object of a preposition.

   They washed themselves quickly. The painters gave themselves a week to finish the work. The noisy passengers drew attention to themselves.

2. an emphatic form of them or they.

   The authors themselves left the theater. The contract was written by the partners themselves.

3. a reflexive form of singular they used as the direct or indirect object of a verb or the object of a preposition.

   1. (used to refer to a generic or unspecified person previously mentioned, about to be mentioned, or present in the immediate context).

      No one who ignores the law can call themselves a good citizen.

   2. (used to refer to a specific or known person previously mentioned, about to be mentioned, or present in the immediate context).

      I want to help my friend who is harming themselves.

   3. (used to refer to a nonbinary or gender-nonconforming person previously mentioned, about to be mentioned, or present in the immediate context).

      Ash introduced themselves to the job recruiter.

4. (used in place of they or them after as, than, orbut ).

   no soldiers braver than themselves; As for the entertainers, everyone got paid but themselves.

5. their usual, normal, characteristic selves.

   After a hot meal and a few hours' rest, they were themselves again.

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themselves British  

/ ðəmˈsɛlvz /

pronoun

1. 1. the reflexive form of they or them

   2. (intensifier)

      the team themselves voted on it

2. (preceded by a copula) their normal or usual selves

   they don't seem themselves any more

3. Also: themself.  not_standard a reflexive form of an indefinite antecedent such as one, whoever, or anybody

   everyone has to look after themselves

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Usage

See myself, they.

Etymology

Origin of themselves

First recorded in 1300–50; them + selves; replacing themself, Middle English thamself; self

Example Sentences

Appeared in the January 12, 2026, print edition as 'Help Federal Judges Protect Themselves'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

Celebrating 30 years this weekend, the Sistas Are Doin’ It for Themselves Short Film Showcase has been a launchpad for Gina Prince-Bythewood, Kasi Lemmons and more.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2023

There are probably even fewer children who’ve heard about the Themselves Tax Credit, particularly those who can’t read, or only want to read about things like fairy tales, magic animals, or baseball.

From Slate • Jul. 15, 2021

Laden with guest appearances, home to Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves, 1985’s Who’s Zoomin’ Who restored Franklin to the charts.

From The Guardian • Nov. 21, 2019

It’s six sins Against them, But they just can’t help Themselves.

From "Neighborhood Odes" by Gary Soto