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
Grieving parents, including Ellen Roome, are demanding the UK government ban social media for under-16s, citing platforms' harmful designs contributing to anxiety, self-harm, and exploitation.
—Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
The criteria include frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, having unstable relationships, identity disturbance, impulsive behavior, chronic feelings of emptiness, intense anger, emotional instability, paranoia or dissociation under stress, and recurrent suicidal behavior or self-harm.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 June 2026
While some incidents involving diphenhydramine may be related to the challenge, officials note that others may be an attempt at self-harm.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026
Firpi concluded that Saenz should receive dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, an intensive therapy originally developed for self-harming women with borderline personality disorder that is now also used to treat PTSD, eating disorders and substance use.
—Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026
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Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
The criteria include frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, having unstable relationships, identity disturbance, impulsive behavior, chronic feelings of emptiness, intense anger, emotional instability, paranoia or dissociation under stress, and recurrent suicidal behavior or self-harm.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 June 2026
While some incidents involving diphenhydramine may be related to the challenge, officials note that others may be an attempt at self-harm.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026
Firpi concluded that Saenz should receive dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, an intensive therapy originally developed for self-harming women with borderline personality disorder that is now also used to treat PTSD, eating disorders and substance use.
—Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 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 14 Jun. 2026.
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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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