suicidal

[ soo-uh-sahyd-l ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, involving, or suggesting suicide.
2. tending or leading to suicide.
3. foolishly or rashly dangerous:

   He drives at a suicidal speed.

suicidal

/ ˌsjuː-; ˌsuːɪˈsaɪdəl /

adjective

1. involving, indicating, or tending towards suicide
2. liable to result in suicide

   a suicidal attempt

3. liable to destroy one's own interests or prospects; dangerously rash

Derived Forms

• ˌsuiˈcidally, adverb

Other Words From

• sui·cidal·ly adverb
• pseudo·sui·cidal adjective
• unsu·i·cidal adjective
• unsu·i·cidal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of suicidal¹

First recorded in 1770–80; suicide + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Jaymes Black, chief executive of the Trevor Project, which operates phone, text and chat lines for queer youth experiencing suicidal thoughts or otherwise needing to talk, said the group’s services had seen demand increase about 125% on election day through Wednesday morning, compared to normal days.

From Los Angeles Times

The court heard she also had suicidal thoughts and had been taken to accident and emergency on many occasions, with the family scared she would take her own life.

From BBC

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, seek help from a professional and call 9-8-8.

From Los Angeles Times

His loneliness “nearly killed him,” he said, acknowledging that he came close to acting on his suicidal ideation: “It was very touch and go at times.”

From Los Angeles Times

The department has often isolated detainees with severe mental illness, which can exacerbate suicidal intentions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dangerous
• deadly
• depressed
• destructive
• fatal
• lethal