noun
seppuku
seh-POO-koo
Seppuku (noun) means a ritual form of suicide by disembowelment historically practiced by Japanese samurai, often to preserve honor or avoid disgrace. Example: “The defeated general chose seppuku rather than surrender.”
noun
1
A ritual form of suicide by disembowelment historically practiced by Japanese samurai, often to preserve honor or avoid disgrace.
"The defeated general chose seppuku rather than surrender."
How to use seppuku
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA ritual suicide by self-disembowelment, historically tied to samurai honor codes.
Common mistake
Hara-kiri is a more colloquial word for the same act; seppuku is the more formal, historically precise term.
Easily confused with
hara-kiri
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Word forms
- Plural
- seppukus
Fill the gap
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The defeated general chose _____ rather than surrender.
Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese seppuku, from characters meaning "to cut" and "belly."
Synonyms
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harakiri
harikari
Rhymes for seppuku
See all rhymes for seppuku →Frequently asked questions
What does “seppuku” mean?
The word “seppuku” means a ritual form of suicide by disembowelment historically practiced by Japanese samurai, often to preserve honor or avoid disgrace. In plain terms, a ritual suicide by self-disembowelment, historically tied to samurai honor codes.
How do you pronounce “seppuku”?
“Seppuku” is pronounced seh-POO-koo (/ˈsɛ.pu(ˌ)ku/ in IPA).
How do you use “seppuku” in a sentence?
Here is “seppuku” used in a sentence: “The defeated general chose seppuku rather than surrender.”
What part of speech is “seppuku”?
“Seppuku” is a noun.
Where does the word “seppuku” come from?
The word “seppuku” comes from Japanese. Borrowed from Japanese seppuku, from characters meaning "to cut" and "belly.".
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