Suicide

/ˈsuːɪˌsaɪd/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The intentional act of ending one's own life.
She struggled with depression, and her family was heartbroken after her suicide.
The act of intentionally causing one's own death.
The rise in suicide rates among teenagers is a concerning trend for mental health advocates.
An act of self-destruction in a metaphorical sense, such as in business or politics.
The CEO's decision to ignore market trends was seen as corporate suicide.
verb
To intentionally take one's own life.
He felt overwhelmed by his problems and expressed a desire to suicide.

Etymology

From Latin 'suicidium', from 'sui' meaning 'of oneself' + 'caedere' meaning 'to kill'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

suicide note
A message left by a person before taking their own life, typically explaining their feelings or reasons for their decision.
committed suicide
An outdated term referring to the act of taking one's own life, often considered insensitive.

Related Words

depression
A mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest.
mental health
A person's condition regarding their psychological and emotional well-being.
counseling
Professional guidance in resolving personal conflicts and emotional problems.

Slang Meanings

Offing oneself
He was so overwhelmed that he joked about offing himself, but it was a serious cry for help.
Checking out
When people feel hopeless, they might talk about checking out.