suicide clause: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical, Legal, Financial
Quick answer
What does “suicide clause” mean?
A provision in an insurance contract, particularly life insurance, that limits or excludes the payment of the death benefit if the insured person dies by suicide within a specified period after the policy is issued, typically two years.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A provision in an insurance contract, particularly life insurance, that limits or excludes the payment of the death benefit if the insured person dies by suicide within a specified period after the policy is issued, typically two years.
Any contractual or legal provision that restricts or voids benefits, rights, or obligations in the event of a party's intentional self-harm or self-destructive action, especially within a defined initial period.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions follow national norms ('clause' remains the same).
Connotations
Equally clinical and technical in both varieties. The term is devoid of emotional connotation in its professional context.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to specific professional domains.
Grammar
How to Use “suicide clause” in a Sentence
The [insurance policy] contains a suicide clause.A suicide clause is [a standard provision].The [benefit] is excluded under the suicide clause.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suicide clause” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The policy was voided as it suicide-claused the event.
- They will suicide-clause any high-risk applicant.
American English
- The contract suicide-clauses any act of intentional self-harm.
- We don't typically suicide-clause group policies.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The suicide-clause period is clearly stated.
- He reviewed the suicide-clause documentation.
American English
- The suicide-clause provision is standard.
- She is an expert on suicide-clause law.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in insurance underwriting, policy design, and risk assessment meetings.
Academic
Analyzed in law, finance, or insurance ethics journals and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be mentioned when explaining policy details to a client.
Technical
Precisely defined in insurance contracts, legal statutes, and regulatory guidelines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “suicide clause”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “suicide clause”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suicide clause”
- Mispronouncing 'suicide' as /ˈsjuːɪsaɪd/ (adding a 'y' sound).
- Using the term in inappropriate non-legal contexts.
- Misspelling as 'suiside clause'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common period is two years from the policy's effective date, after which the clause generally no longer applies.
To prevent 'moral hazard'—the risk that someone might purchase a policy with the immediate intention of committing suicide to provide a financial payout to beneficiaries.
Not always. Courts may consider factors like the insured's mental capacity at the time of signing or specific state/provincial laws that limit such exclusions.
Often, if suicide occurs during the clause period, the insurer will refund the premiums paid rather than pay the full death benefit. Policies vary, so the specific terms must be checked.
A provision in an insurance contract, particularly life insurance, that limits or excludes the payment of the death benefit if the insured person dies by suicide within a specified period after the policy is issued, typically two years.
Suicide clause is usually formal, technical, legal, financial in register.
Suicide clause: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsuːɪsaɪd ˌklɔːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuːəˌsaɪd ˌklɔz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated; term is itself technical]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'clause' as a rule in a contract. A 'suicide clause' is the specific rule about what happens if the contract holder dies by suicide.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTRACTUAL SAFETY NET (WITH HOLES): A contract is a protective net, but this clause represents a specific, pre-defined hole in that net for a particular circumstance.
Practice
Quiz
In which professional context is the term 'suicide clause' MOST commonly used?