self-harm
|self/harm|
B2
🇺🇸
/sɛlf hɑrm/
🇬🇧
/sɛlf hɑːm/
self-inflicted injury
Etymology
Etymology Information
'self-harm' originates from the combination of 'self,' meaning 'one's own person,' and 'harm,' meaning 'physical injury or damage.'
Historical Evolution
'self-harm' evolved from the concept of 'self-inflicted harm,' which has been recognized in psychological literature since the 20th century.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to any self-inflicted injury, but over time it has become more associated with psychological distress and coping mechanisms.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of deliberately inflicting pain and damage to one's own body.
Many people who self-harm do so as a way to cope with emotional distress.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/03/03 06:06