Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
word forming element indicating "oneself," also "automatic," from Old English use of self (pron.) in compounds, such as selfbana "suicide," selflice "self-love, pride, vanity, egotism," selfwill "free will."
Wiktionary
pre. 1 of, by, in or with oneself or itself 2 automatic
Usage examples of "self-".
Original Face, the Face one had before the Big Bang, the Face that looks out from each and every sentient being in each and every universe, calling out to each and all for mutual self-, and not just self-, recognition.
A revolutionary, a mercurial figure who shared with Beethoven a self- consciousness about his genius that would become the hallmark of the romantic movement, he wrote a vivid autobiography but his music was autobiographical too.
I defy any minister to keep those records always open before him and yet remain a proud man, a selfrespecting, self-satisfied, self-righteous man.
Before the sorry moment, the happy couple were free of self- consciousness, and felt no need to cover their bodies with clothing.