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.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police have not announced any arrests or suspects in the shooting, which was initially reported as possibly self-inflicted in a release sent to the media. Matthew Cupelli, IndyStar, 15 July 2025 Investigators think the woman’s wound was self-inflicted, according to police. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025 Kevin John Gordon, 40, also had a fatal gunshot wound, which troopers said was self-inflicted. Mike Stunson july 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025 Other shootings Two additional shootings that took place over the weekend are believed to be self-inflicted, an IMPD spokesperson said. Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 7 July 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 26 Jul. 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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