self-inflicted

adjective

self-in·​flict·​ed ˌself-in-ˈflik-təd How to pronounce self-inflicted (audio)
: inflicted or caused by oneself
a self-inflicted wound
His staff problems are self-inflicted, the product of his poor judgment and bad choices.The Guardian (United Kingdom)

Examples of self-inflicted in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Linebacker Shay Taylor, who totaled 5 tackles, a tackle for loss and a QB hit, thinks the loss was self-inflicted. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025 The gunshot wound on his cheek was in fact a close-contact wound and not one fired from long range, as Buford Pusser described, and was likely self-inflicted, Revelle concluded. Audrey McAvoy, Twin Cities, 31 Aug. 2025 The gunshot wound on his cheek was in fact a close-contact wound and not one fired from long range, as Buford Pusser described, and was likely self-inflicted, Revelle concluded. Preston Fore, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2025 As a player, Rooney had the type of extraordinary natural talent that overcomes almost all obstacles, even those that are self-inflicted. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-inflicted

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-inflicted was in 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Self-inflicted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-inflicted. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-inflicted

adjective
self-in·​flict·​ed
ˌsel-fin-ˈflik-təd
: inflicted by oneself
a self-inflicted wound

Medical Definition

self-inflicted

adjective
self-in·​flict·​ed -in-ˈflik-təd How to pronounce self-inflicted (audio)
: inflicted by oneself
a self-inflicted wound

More from Merriam-Webster on self-inflicted

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