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self-harm

[ self-hahrm ]

noun

  1. Also called -·· [self, -, in, -j, uh, -ree]. deliberate nonsuicidal injury to one’s own body tissue, as cutting or burning the skin, or pulling out hair, in a physical manifestation of emotional distress: Formerly -·پ··پDz [self, -myoot-l-, ey, -sh, uh, n].

    Self-harm, eating disorders, and substance abuse were reported among victims of bullying.



verb (used without object)

  1. to hurt oneself deliberately, without suicidal intention, as a physical manifestation of emotional distress:

    I self-harm to release the anxiety, but then I feel so much shame that I have to self-harm again to relieve that.

self-harm

noun

  1. the practice of cutting or otherwise wounding oneself, usually considered as indicating psychological disturbance
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌ-ˈ󲹰Բ, noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of self-harm1

First recorded in 1610–20 self-harm fordef 1 and in 1940–45 self-harm fordef 2; self- ( def ) + harm ( def )
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Media regulator Ofcom published the final version of its Children's Code on Friday, which puts legal requirements on platforms hosting pornography and content encouraging self-harm, suicide or eating disorders, to take more action to prevent access by children.

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Ofgem says the rules will prevent young people from encountering the most harmful content relating to suicide, self-harm, eating disorders and pornography.

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Children also said material about suicide self-harm and eating disorders was "prolific" and that violent content was "unavoidable".

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Any site which hosts pornography, or content which encourages self-harm, suicide or eating disorders must have robust age checks in place to protect children from accessing that content.

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In a separate development BBC News has also learned about the existence of groups dedicated to self-harm on X.

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self-hardeningself-hatred