self-abuse
Americannoun
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disparagement or misuse of one's own abilities, etc
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a censorious term for masturbation See masturbation
Etymology
Origin of self-abuse
First recorded in 1595–1605
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With “In the Valley,” Rash presents a catalog of broken people trying to survive beneath the weight of their self-abuse, often through drugs or alcohol — or just the abuses the world foists upon them.
From New York Times
At age 4, Kara started suffering fits of self-abuse, often smashing her hand into her face.
From Washington Times
IMO. self-abuse is a lesser known aspect of elder abuse.
From New York Times
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Feuerstein said that chimpanzees held in captivity for research can exhibit behaviors similar to PTSD, including ‘self-abuse, rocking back and forth, and increased aggression’.
From The Guardian
Make it for everyone Unlike misanthropy or self-abuse, tea-making is not a solitary pursuit.
From The Guardian
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.