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Synonyms

suicidal

American  
[soo-uh-sahyd-l] / ˌsu əˈsaɪd l /

adjective

  1. pertaining to, involving, or suggesting suicide.

  2. tending or leading to suicide.

  3. foolishly or rashly dangerous.

    He drives at a suicidal speed.


suicidal British  
/ ˌsjuː-, ˌsuːɪˈsaɪdəl /

adjective

  1. involving, indicating, or tending towards suicide

  2. liable to result in suicide

    a suicidal attempt

  3. liable to destroy one's own interests or prospects; dangerously rash

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of suicidal

First recorded in 1770–80; suicide + -al 1

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.

See Examples For:

In the three major biggest nuclear countries, the United States, Russia and China, the people involved with those nuclear forces know that a purposeful attack is essentially suicidal.

From Salon Jun. 15, 2026

At a Department of War briefing last week, Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth was asked whether Iran was using “kamikaze,” or suicidal, dolphins to attack military assets in the Strait of Hormuz.

From Barron's May 14, 2026

Shifts in 988 hotline volunteer behavior can have a major impact for autistic callers, a population more likely to experience suicidal crisis.

From Los Angeles Times May 6, 2026

Families and friends interviewed by the BBC deny that Charmain used drugs or was suicidal.

From BBC Apr. 11, 2026

It took some nerve to go and see her without being summoned; to go with the sort of demands Roy was making seemed suicidal.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro

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