self-harm

noun

ˌself-ˈhärm 

: the act of purposely hurting oneself (as by cutting or burning the skin) as an emotional coping mechanism

Although most cutters are young women who have been emotionally, sexually, or physically abused as children, [Marilee] Strong's research shows that this specific type of self-harm also appears in other groups.

—Maria Simson et al.

called also self-injury, self-mutilation

self-harm intransitive verb

self-harmed; self-harming; self-harms

teenagers who self-harm

Examples of self-harm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Forensic doctors who performed the autopsy told prosecutors that his injuries were consistent with a fall from that height and that self-harm, as well as interference from someone else, were ruled out. —Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024

The lawsuit alleges TikTok’s algorithm exposed the seven teenagers to videos promoting suicide, self-harm and eating disorders, lawyer Laure Boutron-Marmion told broadcaster franceinfo. —Reuters, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024

When she was admitted to the jail, she had briefly been placed in a safety cell, without access to items that could be used for self-harm. —Christopher Damien, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024

Artificial Integrity systems would be equipped to recognize language patterns indicative of self-harm or suicidal intent, taking proactive steps to alert human supervisors or direct the user to crisis intervention resources, such as helplines or mental health professionals. —Hamilton Mann, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

self-harm

noun

ˌself-ˈhärm 

: the act of purposely hurting oneself (as by cutting or burning the skin) as an emotional coping mechanism