suicidal
0 antonyms and opposites of suicidal, grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Wanting to kill oneself, or showing signs of wanting to.
How to use suicidal
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
When discussing mental health, use this word carefully and factually rather than as a casual exaggeration.
Etymology
Formed in English from suicide plus the adjective ending -al.
Full origin of suicidal →Frequently asked questions
What does “suicidal” mean?
The word “suicidal” means wanting to kill oneself, or showing signs of wanting to. In plain terms, describes either a person at risk of taking their own life, or an action so dangerous it could get someone killed.
How do you pronounce “suicidal”?
“Suicidal” is pronounced soo-ih-SEYE-duhl (/ˌsu.əˈsaɪ.dəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “suicidal” in a sentence?
Here is “suicidal” used in a sentence: “He was hospitalized after telling his therapist he felt suicidal.”
What part of speech is “suicidal”?
“Suicidal” is an adjective.
Is “suicidal” a common word?
“Suicidal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “suicidal” have?
“Suicidal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: wanting to kill oneself, or showing signs of wanting to.
What is the difference between "suicidal" and "depressed"?
"Suicidal" specifically describes wanting to kill oneself or showing signs of that intent, while "depressed" describes a broader mood involving persistent sadness or hopelessness that doesn't always include thoughts of ending one's life. A person can be depressed without being suicidal.
Can "suicidal" describe something other than a person's mental state?
Yes, "suicidal" can also describe behaviour or actions so reckless or dangerous that they amount to risking one's own life, such as a "suicidal driving manoeuvre."
Is it appropriate to use "suicidal" casually to describe stress, such as "I'm suicidal about this deadline"?
No, because "suicidal" has a serious meaning tied to genuine risk of self-harm, using it casually as exaggeration is discouraged and can trivialize a serious issue.