Hara-kiri
noun
The act of killing oneself by cutting the abdomen open, traditionally performed by a samurai as an alternative to disgrace or execution.
He chose to die by hara-kiri rather than be captured by the enemy.
Often appears as...
- commit hara-kiri
- perform hara-kiri
Usage tips
Historical
noun
By extension, any act of self-destruction or serious harm done to oneself, especially when it is intentionally or unnecessarily self-inflicted.
His reckless investment in that doomed startup was financial hara-kiri.
Often appears as...
- financial hara-kiri
- political hara-kiri
Usage tips
Colloquial,Idiomatic
noun
The act of killing oneself by cutting the abdomen open, traditionally performed by a samurai as an alternative to disgrace or execution.
He chose to die by hara-kiri rather than be captured by the enemy.
Often appears as...
- commit hara-kiri
- perform hara-kiri
Usage tips
Historical
noun
By extension, any act of self-destruction or serious harm done to oneself, especially when it is intentionally or unnecessarily self-inflicted.
His reckless investment in that doomed startup was financial hara-kiri.
Often appears as...
- financial hara-kiri
- political hara-kiri
Usage tips
Colloquial,Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Samurai Ritual
Understand that hara-kiri was a noble death ritual among samurai to avoid disgrace.
The samurai faced the consequence of defeat with hara-kiri.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Sensitivity
Realize hara-kiri refers to a sensitive cultural practice, so use it respectfully.
In history class, we learned about the significance of hara-kiri in samurai culture.
Pro Tip 3/3Not for Jokes
Avoid making jokes about hara-kiri, as it can be offensive due to its serious nature.
He solemnly mentioned his ancestor's hara-kiri, and everybody listened respectfully.
Pro Tip 1/3Samurai Ritual
Understand that hara-kiri was a noble death ritual among samurai to avoid disgrace.
The samurai faced the consequence of defeat with hara-kiri.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Sensitivity
Realize hara-kiri refers to a sensitive cultural practice, so use it respectfully.
In history class, we learned about the significance of hara-kiri in samurai culture.
Pro Tip 3/3Not for Jokes
Avoid making jokes about hara-kiri, as it can be offensive due to its serious nature.
He solemnly mentioned his ancestor's hara-kiri, and everybody listened respectfully.
Pro Tip 1/3Samurai Ritual
Understand that hara-kiri was a noble death ritual among samurai to avoid disgrace.
The samurai faced the consequence of defeat with hara-kiri.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Sensitivity
Realize hara-kiri refers to a sensitive cultural practice, so use it respectfully.
In history class, we learned about the significance of hara-kiri in samurai culture.
Pro Tip 3/3Not for Jokes
Avoid making jokes about hara-kiri, as it can be offensive due to its serious nature.
He solemnly mentioned his ancestor's hara-kiri, and everybody listened respectfully.
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