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.

---

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

---

Usage

See myself, they.

Etymology

Origin of themselves

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

themselves

When Hamawy got stuck in Gaza, Mansour and other locals took it upon themselves to reach out to their elected officials.

From Slate ● Jul. 14, 2026

Some refuse to accommodate themselves to the new order, out of principle or the realization that their own future is over, and seek opportunity elsewhere.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026

They are all about sharing information, which they already do among themselves.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026

“Salsa seems to me like a stage that invites one to express themselves fully, speak loudly, dance freely and feel powerful.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026

I managed to roll myself clear of the fray and stumbled to my feet as the men angrily attempted to untangle themselves.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin