self-immolation

noun

self-im·​mo·​la·​tion ˌself-ˌi-mə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce self-immolation (audio)
Synonyms of self-immolationnext
: a deliberate and willing sacrifice of oneself often by fire
self-immolate verb

Examples of self-immolation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There have been more than 150 self-immolations by Tibetans between 2009 and 2022, according to the International Campaign for Tibet. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026 The International Campaign for Tibet says there were more than 150 self-immolations by Tibetans between 2009 and 2022. Kanishka Singh, USA Today, 3 July 2026 Rangzen went live on Facebook to stream his self-immolation and death, according to amNewYork. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026 There have been more than 150 self-immolations by Tibetans between 2009 and 2022, according to the International Campaign for Tibet. ABC News, 2 July 2026 On the brink of elimination, the Spurs would learn from their self-immolation and grow a strategic brain to match their undeniable skills. David Remnick, New Yorker, 14 June 2026 Ratansen dies defending his honor; Padmavati and the women of Chitor perform jauhar (the ancient Rajput practice of self-immolation to avoid capture). Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026 The Bexar County medical examiner's office later ruled her death as a suicide by self-immolation. John Hanna and Juan Lozano The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 25 Feb. 2026 The Bexar County Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide by self-immolation. Bayliss Wagner, San Antonio Express-News, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-immolation was in 1799

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Cite this Entry

“Self-immolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-immolation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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