1
: reproach of oneself
2
old-fashioned : masturbation
3
: abuse of one's body or health

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-abuse was in 1653

Dictionary Entries Near self-abuse

Cite this Entry

“Self-abuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-abuse. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

self-abuse

noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!