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
While in foster care, the daughter was involuntarily hospitalized and forcibly medicated, while the toddler and his brother started bed-wetting and engaging in self-harm.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
Clifton Prescod / Bravo Dillard shared that he was diagnosed with BPD, or borderline personality disorder, last fall after he was hospitalized for self-harm.
—Pilar Melendez, NBC news, 27 May 2026
Bies said detention staff follow protocols to protect detainees who show signs of self-harming and that ICE requires annual suicide prevention training.
—Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
Bis said detention staff follow protocols to protect detainees who show signs of self-harming and that ICE requires annual suicide prevention training.
—Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-harm
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Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
Clifton Prescod / Bravo Dillard shared that he was diagnosed with BPD, or borderline personality disorder, last fall after he was hospitalized for self-harm.
—Pilar Melendez, NBC news, 27 May 2026
Bies said detention staff follow protocols to protect detainees who show signs of self-harming and that ICE requires annual suicide prevention training.
—Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
Bis said detention staff follow protocols to protect detainees who show signs of self-harming and that ICE requires annual suicide prevention training.
—Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 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 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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