self-harm
noun
: the act of purposely hurting oneself (as by cutting or burning the skin) as an emotional coping mechanism
An acute change in mood that persists for weeks or is associated with thoughts of self-harm should not be ignored.—
John Williamson
John Williamsoncalled 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
The lawsuits, filed separately, mark just the latest scrutiny of OpenAI over claims that ChatGPT has encouraged users to engage in real-world violence or self-harm.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
The judges, however, said his solitary confinement was necessary because Tarrant was at risk for suicide or self-harm.
—ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
The bill also would require bots to respond to interactions indicating suicidal ideas or self-harm by referring them to crisis services hotlines.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Shortly after his December 2025 firing, he was accused of driving to the woman's house and threatening self-harm.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-harm
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Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
The judges, however, said his solitary confinement was necessary because Tarrant was at risk for suicide or self-harm.
—ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
The bill also would require bots to respond to interactions indicating suicidal ideas or self-harm by referring them to crisis services hotlines.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Shortly after his December 2025 firing, he was accused of driving to the woman's house and threatening self-harm.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
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 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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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Merriam-Webster unabridged
