self-punishment

noun

1. the act or an instance of punishing oneself

Example Sentences

Even though I’d moved past my crush by then, I felt a surge of embarrassment that quickly morphed into self-punishment.

From Los Angeles Times

In one solo, she repeatedly raises her palms, then gently strikes her face, as if caught in a loop of self-punishment.

From New York Times

Given the painful infertility Pine and her partner have endured themselves, the decision to place herself in a maternity hospital may sound to many like a unique form of self-punishment.

From BBC

Evan’s tortured soul loses plenty, though, all while enduring no shortage of self-punishment.

From Washington Post

“It was kind of a form of self-punishment, but also trying to keep things a little lighter,” Mancini said.

From New York Times

Related Words

• contrition 
• penance 
• repentance