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

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Besides the differences in life expectancy, the analysis also revealed ADHD to be linked with a higher risk of mental health issues — such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide and personality disorders. —

Kristen Rogers, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025 Other positive health effects included lower risks of suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. —

Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 23 Jan. 2025 Our study demonstrated a reduced risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm among people using GLP-1 drugs. —

Ziyad Al-Aly, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2025 American voters elected Donald Trump to put an end to foolish, expensive, and self-harming policies and deals that are designed to win over the affection of nations who hate us. —

Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for self-harm