self-harm

noun

ˌself-ˈhärm 

: 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

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

According to PetMD, chewing is considered healthy cat behavior as long as self-harm is not involved. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

The most detailed allegations came from a woman named Lyndsey Fifield, who reported controlling behaviors, frequent displays of rage, threats of violence and self-harm, emotional intimidation and physical abuse. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2026

Patricia Cavazos-Rehg, a professor of psychiatry at Washington University, studies how online platforms affect self-harm and suicide risk. — Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2026

Death caused by intentional self-harm claimed 48,824 lives in 2024. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-harm

• alarm
• disarm
• forearm
• gendarme
• nonfarm
• rearm
• arm
• charm
• farm
• harm
• firearm
• underarm

Kids Definition

self-harm

noun

ˌself-ˈhärm 

: the act of purposely hurting oneself (as by cutting or burning the skin) as an emotional coping mechanism