self-deˈstruction
[self- 1 a.]
Destruction of oneself, one's life; esp. self-murder, suicide.
| a 1586 Sidney Arcadia (1622) 144 To frame of Earth a vessell of the minde, Where it should be to selfe-destruction bound. 1667 Milton P.L. x. 1016 Self-destruction there⁓fore saught, refutes That excellence thought in thee. 1751 Mason Elfrida (1752) 77 Ye need not fear it, She means not self-destruction. 1821 Scott Kenilw. xv, To give gold to youth is..furnishing them with the means of self-destruction. |
| 1899 Allbutt's Syst. Med. VIII. 371 Very commonly attempts at self-destruction or self-injury are made. |