self-abuse

noun

ˌself-ə-ˈbyüs

1

: reproach of oneself

2

old-fashioned : masturbation

3

: abuse of one's body or health

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler

The first known use of self-abuse was in 1653

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Self-abuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-abuse. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

self-abuse

noun

ˌself-ə-ˈbyüs

: masturbation

More from Merriam-Webster

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

contrite

Listen to the pronunciation of contrite

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Popular in Wordplay

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World