suicide
word
Definition
The act of intentionally causing your own death. It can also be used more broadly for actions or decisions that are extremely harmful to oneself, especially in expressions like 'political suicide'.
Usage & Nuances
This is a very sensitive and serious word. In direct discussion, common collocations include 'commit suicide', 'die by suicide', and 'suicide prevention'; many speakers prefer 'die by suicide' in mental-health contexts because it sounds less judgmental. It also appears metaphorically in phrases like 'career suicide' or 'political suicide'.
Example Sentences
The report says the death was ruled a suicide.
basic
The school started a suicide prevention program.
basic
The article discussed suicide rates among teenagers.
basic
Saying that in public would be political suicide.
natural
Ignoring the problem now would be career suicide.
natural
The documentary handles the topic of suicide very carefully.
natural