self-abuse
UK[ˌself əˈbjuːs]US[ˌself əˈbjuːs]
n
the act of treating oneself in a harmful or negative way, especially by having a very low opinion of oneself.
n
the act of harming one's own body, especially by deliberately injuring oneself.
Morpheme Breakdown
self
abuse
self
own
abuse
mistreatment
Etymology
the compound "self-abuse" is a transparent formation from the native english reflexive prefix "self-" and the latinate noun "abuse." the concept hinges on the directional reversal implied by "self-," turning the external act of mistreatment ("abuse") inward. while "abuse" traces to latin roots connoting misuse or perversion from proper use, the english "self" has germanic origins related to identity and sameness. the term's modern meanings, ranging from psychological self-denigration to physical self-harm, logically extend from this core idea of directing harmful treatment onto oneself. historically, it also carried a now-archaic specific sense related to masturbation, reflecting an older moralistic view of such acts as a misuse of the self.
Analysis
Structure: self (own) + abuse (mistreatment)
self: from old english self, seolf, sylf, meaning "own, same." it functions as a prefix denoting reflexivity or action directed back upon the subject.
abuse: from latin abūsus ("misuse, waste"), from abūtī ("to misuse, waste"), from ab- ("away, from") + ūtī ("to use"). it functions as the core noun meaning "improper or harmful treatment."
Examples
constant negative self-talk is a form of emotional self-abuse.
the therapist helped him understand the cycle of self-abuse that followed his failures.
cutting is a serious manifestation of self-abuse and requires professional intervention.