self-torture

noun

self-tor·ture | \ ˌself-ˈtȯr-chər

plural self-tortures

Definition of self-torture

1 : the act or an instance of torturing oneself psychologically Guilt is a merciless instrument of self-torture.— S. G. Browne Because golf exposes the flaws of the human swing—a basically simple maneuver—it causes more self-torture than any game short of Russian roulette.— Grantland Rice

2 : the infliction of intense pain on oneself The Native North Americans also used physical suffering, a literal self-torture—for example, piercing the chest with sticks and thongs …— Leslie Gray