Suicide: meaning, definitions and examples

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suicide

[ˈsuːɪsʌɪd ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mental health

The act of intentionally causing one's own death, often as a result of mental illness or extreme emotional distress. Suicide is a serious public health issue that can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities.

Synonyms

self-destruction, self-harm, taking one's own life.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
suicide	Typically used in medical, psychological, and legal contexts to describe the act of intentionally causing one's own death. He was struggling with severe depression, which eventually led to suicide. The charity works to prevent suicide by providing mental health support.
self-destruction	Used in a broader sense to describe actions or behaviors that are harmful to oneself but not necessarily intended to cause death. It carries a slightly negative connotation. Her addiction was a form of self-destruction that affected her career and personal life. The movie portrays the protagonist's journey of self-destruction and eventual redemption.
self-harm	Describes behaviors where individuals intentionally cause injury to themselves, often as a coping mechanism. It's used in medical and psychological contexts. She started engaging in self-harm as a way to deal with her emotional pain. The doctor spoke to him about healthier ways to cope, recognizing the signs of self-harm.
taking one's own life	A more formal and sensitive way to describe suicide, often used to avoid the harshness of the term 'suicide'. In his final note, he explained why he chose to take his own life. The news report carefully stated that the individual had taken their own life.

Examples of usage

Many suicide prevention organizations offer support to individuals in crisis.
After his suicide attempt, he sought help from a therapist.
She lost her brother to suicide last year.
Studies have shown a link between suicide and certain mental health disorders.
The suicide rate among teenagers has been increasing in recent years.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term originates from the Latin word 'sui' meaning 'self' and 'caedere' meaning 'to kill'.
Documentation of suicide can be traced back to ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, where it was sometimes viewed differently than today.
In many cultures throughout history, suicide has been linked to concepts of honor, especially in cases of samurai who chose it over capture.

Mental Health

Many people who contemplate this often experience mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
Supportive social connections and access to mental health resources can significantly reduce the risk.
Awareness campaigns aim to destigmatize discussions about mental health, encouraging individuals to seek help.

Statistics

As of the latest studies, suicide is one of the leading causes of death globally, particularly among young people.
Every year, millions of people are affected by the loss of loved ones to suicide, creating widespread impacts on communities.
Research indicates that for each suicide, approximately 135 people may experience profound sorrow or loss.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have varying beliefs about suicide, ranging from taboo to honor-based views.
In some societies, suicide has historically been viewed as a noble choice under specific circumstances, such as combat or loss of honor.
Contemporary culture often emphasizes mental health awareness, advocating for open conversations to prevent such tragedies.

Literature and Media

Suicide is a common theme in literature, reflecting societal struggles and individual despair, as seen in works like Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' and many modern novels.
Movies and shows often portray the topic, sparking important discussions but also sometimes facing criticism for their handling of such sensitive issues.
Some poetry and songs use imagery relating to despair, serving as both a reflection of personal pain and a form of expression for the artist.

Translations

Translations of the word "suicide" in other languages:

🇵🇹 suicídio

🇮🇳 आत्महत्या

🇩🇪 Selbstmord

🇮🇩 bunuh diri

🇺🇦 самогубство

🇵🇱 samobójstwo

🇯🇵 自殺 (じさつ)

🇫🇷 suicide

🇪🇸 suicidio

🇹🇷 intihar

🇰🇷 자살 (jasal)

🇸🇦 انتحار

🇨🇿 sebevražda

🇸🇰 samovražda

🇨🇳 自杀 (zìshā)

🇸🇮 samomor

🇮🇸 sjálfsvíg

🇰🇿 өз-өзіне қол жұмсау

🇬🇪 თავმკვლელობა

🇦🇿 intihar

🇲🇽 suicidio

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,122 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5119 ignore
5120 pertaining
5121 severity
5122 suicide
5123 incorporation
5124 cruel
5125 regiment
...