Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

death-wish

noun

/ˈdɛθ wɪʃ/

Definition

A desire for one’s own death or a wish to engage in behavior that may lead to death.

Examples

After the difficult breakup, Jenna started to have a death-wish, engaging in dangerous activities.
He often joked about having a death-wish, but it was clear he was struggling with his mental health.
Some individuals in extreme situations may develop a death-wish, seeking an escape from their circumstances.

Meaning

Death-wish refers to a psychological state in which an individual expresses a wish to die or engages in risky or self-destructive behaviors that could potentially result in death. It can be understood both literally and figuratively, often reflecting deep emotional pain or a feeling of hopelessness.