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
Settles had a history of self-harm and was jailed after attacking a patient and security guard at a psychiatric hospital.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
Research has shown that medications prescribed for individuals with ADHS were associated with lower risks of self-harm and accidents, demonstrating the importance of proper medical treatment in overall safety and well-being.
—Doc Louallen, ABC News, 27 June 2025
In addition, participation in professional athletics and injuries resulting from drug or alcohol use or from intentional self-harm are almost never covered.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 27 June 2025
Seven calls described suicide attempts or self-harm, including overdoses and hangings.
—Dhruv Mehrotra, Wired News, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-harm
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Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
Research has shown that medications prescribed for individuals with ADHS were associated with lower risks of self-harm and accidents, demonstrating the importance of proper medical treatment in overall safety and well-being.
—Doc Louallen, ABC News, 27 June 2025
In addition, participation in professional athletics and injuries resulting from drug or alcohol use or from intentional self-harm are almost never covered.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 27 June 2025
Seven calls described suicide attempts or self-harm, including overdoses and hangings.
—Dhruv Mehrotra, Wired News, 25 June 2025
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 6 Jul. 2025.
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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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