self-immolation

noun

self-im·​mo·​la·​tion ˌself-ˌi-mə-ˈlā-shən 

: a deliberate and willing sacrifice of oneself often by fire

self-immolate

ˌself-ˈi-mə-ˌlāt 

verb

Examples of self-immolation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

YouTube was used to widely share videos, including the initial protests in Tunisia following the self-immolation of a fruit vendor. — David Friend, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026

People in crisis incarcerated in Joliet have set over 60 fires since summer 2024, including eight cases of self-immolation and, after guards impeded access to lifesaving care, at least one death. — Joan Steffen, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026

Desperation is the defining mood, mostly sublimated and sometimes bursting through the surface, as when a man demanding his savings threatens self-immolation at the bank. — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

From 2009, Tibet was hit by a wave of self-immolations, when at least 159 predominantly young Tibetans set themselves on fire in protest against Chinese rule. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-immolation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration