self-harm
noun
: 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.
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
Maynard said the bill responds to growing national concerns, including lawsuits and media reports claiming that some AI companion platforms may foster emotional dependency in minors and, in extreme cases, have been linked to self-harm.
—Dylan Goforth, The Frontier, 28 Jan. 2026
When a child or young adult shows signs of anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm or suicidal ideation, indecision and adult conflict can deepen the harm.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
Prolonged isolation increases the risk of anxiety, depression, aggression, psychosis, and self-harm, and is associated with higher rates of suicide attempts.
—Gladys Carrión, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
The restricted areas include graphic violence, gory imagery, and depictions of self-harm.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-harm
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Dylan Goforth, The Frontier, 28 Jan. 2026
When a child or young adult shows signs of anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm or suicidal ideation, indecision and adult conflict can deepen the harm.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
Prolonged isolation increases the risk of anxiety, depression, aggression, psychosis, and self-harm, and is associated with higher rates of suicide attempts.
—Gladys Carrión, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
The restricted areas include graphic violence, gory imagery, and depictions of self-harm.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Jan. 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 4 Feb. 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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