pronoun
itself
Used when it is also the object, or to emphasize the thing referred to.
The cat washes itself before curling up for a nap.
Etymology
The pronoun it combines with self to emphasize identity. The compound refers an action back to the same thing or singles out that thing for emphasis.
More examples
- The machine shuts itself off when it gets too hot.
- The house itself is small, but the yard is spacious.
- The door opens by itself.