suicide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal; the word is serious and carries significant emotional weight. In informal contexts, euphemisms or indirect phrasing are often preferred.
Quick answer
What does “suicide” mean?
The act of intentionally causing one's own death.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of intentionally causing one's own death.
Any action or behavior that deliberately destroys or severely damages something crucial to one's own existence or success.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The phrase 'commit suicide' is now widely considered stigmatizing in both professional (mental health, journalism) contexts, with a shift towards 'die by suicide', 'take one's own life', or 'complete suicide'.
Connotations
Equally grave in both varieties. The shift towards less judgmental language ('die by suicide' vs. 'commit suicide') is slightly more advanced in formal American media and health guidelines.
Frequency
Similar frequency. The compound 'suicide bomber' gained global prominence in the early 21st century.
Grammar
How to Use “suicide” in a Sentence
N of suicide (e.g., 'a case of suicide')Adj + suicide (e.g., 'teenage suicide')V + by + suicide (e.g., 'die by suicide')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suicide” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Non-standard) The report shockedingly stated he had 'suicided'. (Note: This is an example of incorrect usage.)
American English
- (Non-standard) The tabloid claimed the celebrity 'suicided'. (Note: This is an example of incorrect usage.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. 'Suicidally' is rare and means 'in a suicidal manner'.) He behaved almost suicidally during the crisis.
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.) Driving that fast is suicidally reckless.
adjective
British English
- The coroner recorded a suicide verdict.
- He left a suicide note on the kitchen table.
American English
- The police are investigating it as a suicide.
- She was admitted after a suicide attempt.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'Launching that product without testing would be commercial suicide.'
Academic
Common in sociology, psychology, public health, and criminology studies. Requires precise, non-stigmatizing terminology.
Everyday
Used with great care due to sensitivity. Often discussed indirectly or with euphemisms in personal conversation.
Technical
In psychiatry: 'suicidal ideation', 'suicide attempt', 'completed suicide'. In law: may be relevant to insurance or inquests.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “suicide”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “suicide”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suicide”
- Using 'suicide' as a verb (e.g., 'He suicided').
- Using 'commit suicide' in contexts advocating for non-stigmatizing language.
- Confusing 'suicidal' (adj) with 'homicidal'.
- Misspelling as 'suiciede' or 'sucicide'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While historically common, 'commit suicide' is increasingly avoided in professional contexts (healthcare, journalism) because 'commit' implies a crime or sin. Preferred terms are 'die by suicide', 'take one's own life', or 'complete suicide'.
No, the verb form 'to suicide' is non-standard and grammatically incorrect in formal English. Always use a phrase like 'to attempt suicide' or 'to die by suicide'.
'Suicide' is a noun referring to the act. 'Suicidal' is an adjective describing someone who is thinking about or likely to attempt suicide (e.g., 'suicidal thoughts'), or metaphorically, something extremely dangerous (e.g., 'a suicidal mission').
It refers to the act of intentionally helping another person to die by suicide, typically by providing them with the means or knowledge to do so, often in the context of terminal illness. It is legally and ethically distinct from euthanasia in many jurisdictions.
The act of intentionally causing one's own death.
Suicide is usually formal; the word is serious and carries significant emotional weight. in informal contexts, euphemisms or indirect phrasing are often preferred. in register.
Suicide: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsuː.ɪ.saɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuː.ə.saɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Political suicide (an action sure to end one's political career)”
- “Career suicide (an action sure to end one's professional prospects)”
- “Like lemmings committing suicide (following others blindly to disaster)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Sui-' (self, as in 'selfie') + '-cide' (killing, as in 'homicide'). It is killing of the self.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUICIDE IS A JOURNEY/ESCAPE ('He saw it as the only way out.'), SUICIDE IS A COMMAND/PRESSURE ('The voices told him to do it.'), SUICIDE IS SUBMISSION TO AN ENEMY ('He was overwhelmed by the depression.'). Metaphorically: SELF-SABOTAGE IS SUICIDE ('That comment was professional suicide.')
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate and sensitive phrasing in a formal mental health context?