self-harm
noun
: 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.
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
Among other precautions, the bill would require the operator of a chatbot to have a protocol to address suicidal ideation, suicide or self-harm mentioned by a user to the platform.
—Molly Gibbs, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
The report highlights research on young adults that shows that trans students who participate in collegiate sports are less likely to experience distress, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 6 June 2025
But some of these measures would also do some self-harm to the country.
—ArsTechnica, 5 June 2025
Watch for persistent inability to function, substance abuse, self-harm, or inability to accept the loss after several months.
—Charell G. Coleman, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-harm
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Molly Gibbs, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
The report highlights research on young adults that shows that trans students who participate in collegiate sports are less likely to experience distress, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 6 June 2025
But some of these measures would also do some self-harm to the country.
—ArsTechnica, 5 June 2025
Watch for persistent inability to function, substance abuse, self-harm, or inability to accept the loss after several months.
—Charell G. Coleman, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-harm
Cite this Entry
“Self-harm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-harm. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
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self-harm
noun
: the act of purposely hurting oneself (as by cutting or burning the skin) as an emotional coping mechanism
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