self-harm

[ self-hahrm ]

noun

1. Also called self-in·ju·ry [self, -, in, -j, uh, -ree]. deliberate nonsuicidal injury to one’s own body tissue, as cutting or burning the skin, or pulling out hair, in a physical manifestation of emotional distress: Formerly self-mu·ti·la·tion [self, -myoot-l-, ey, -sh, uh, n].

   Self-harm, eating disorders, and substance abuse were reported among victims of bullying.

verb (used without object)

1. to hurt oneself deliberately, without suicidal intention, as a physical manifestation of emotional distress:

   I self-harm to release the anxiety, but then I feel so much shame that I have to self-harm again to relieve that.

self-harm

noun

1. the practice of cutting or otherwise wounding oneself, usually considered as indicating psychological disturbance

Derived Forms

• ˌself-ˈharming, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-harm¹

First recorded in 1610–20 self-harm fordef 1 and in 1940–45 self-harm fordef 2; self- ( def ) + harm ( def )

Example Sentences

“Much of the goods America imports are intermediate goods used in the production of other things,” thus lifting costs across the board for products manufactured in the U.S. and causing economywide “self-harm,” according to Jonathan Humphrey, senior economist at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.

From Los Angeles Times

"There'll be more self-harm and the risk of more violence as they have their hopes slashed away from them."

From BBC

The 32-year-old has outlined his battles with drug abuse, fame, grief, self-harm, masculinity and more in a new memoir titled Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak & Dogs.

From BBC

"It can often lead to self-harm, eating disorders and can be something that actually impacts the rest of their life."

From BBC

The case alleges the video platform's algorithm exposed them to content promoting self-harm, eating disorders and suicide, said Laure Boutron-Marmion, a lawyer for the families.

From BBC