Suicide: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.