self-soothe

American  

[self-sooth] / ˈsɛlfˈsuð /

verb (used without object)

1. (of an infant or child) to stop fussing or crying, especially at naptime or bedtime, without receiving comfort from a parent or other caregiver.

   Don’t expect all babies to self-soothe as readily as this little sweetheart.

2. to comfort oneself when experiencing sadness or distress.

   I need to go home and self-soothe with a comfy blanket and a large glass of wine.

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Etymology

Origin of self-soothe

First recorded in 1980–85; self- ( def. ) + soothe ( def. )

Example Sentences

I was an angry child and had to self-soothe a lot.

From The Wall Street Journal

Over the last six years of recovery, I’ve learned how to take full accountability for my own life, how to self-soothe, and how to become securely attached to myself.

From Los Angeles Times

If you have the internal resources available and feel safe enough to self-soothe and stay professional, fauxitude can make you a compassionate advocate for your own inclusion.

From Salon

Deep breath in, slow breath out… Isn't it odd that we can self-soothe by slowing down our breathing?

From Science Daily

And then people often self-soothe with food.

From Los Angeles Times