them·selves 
/ðɛmˈsɛlvz/ pronoun
/ðɛmˈsɛlvz/ pronoun 1 : those same people, animals, or things: a — used as the object of a verb or preposition to refer to people, animals, or things that have already been mentioned ▪ They are getting themselves ready. ▪ They did most of the painting themselves. ▪ nations that govern themselves ▪ They were dedicated to helping those less fortunate than themselves. ▪ people who are unable to care for themselves ▪ They enjoyed working for themselves. ▪ They kept their plans to themselves. [=they kept their plans secret] ▪ She had the house all to herself. [=she was alone in the house]
b — used for emphasis to refer again to people, animals, or things that have already been mentioned ▪ They were young once themselves. ▪ They themselves were quite surprised when they won the game. 2 : himself or herself — used to refer to a single person whose sex is not known or specified ▪ Nobody should blame themselves. 3 : their normal or healthy selves
▪ They were themselves again after a night's rest. ▪ They didn't feel like themselves for a while after the long flight.
b — used for emphasis to refer again to people, animals, or things that have already been mentioned ▪ They were young once themselves. ▪ They themselves were quite surprised when they won the game.
▪ They were themselves again after a night's rest. ▪ They didn't feel like themselves for a while after the long flight.
by themselves 1 : without any help from other people
▪ The students solved the math problem by themselves. 2 : with nobody else : alone
▪ They toured the city by themselves instead of traveling with a guide.
▪ The students solved the math problem by themselves.
▪ They toured the city by themselves instead of traveling with a guide.
