“Suicide” vs. “Commit Suicide”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “suicide” and “commit suicide”

  • "Suicide" is a neutral term whereas "commit suicide" has negative connotations.
  • "Suicide" is a medical and psychological term whereas "commit suicide" is a legal term.
  • Using "died by suicide" reduces the stigma associated with suicide.
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What is the definition of “suicide” and “commit suicide”?

Suicide
  • Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one's own life.
  • It is a serious mental health issue and the leading cause of death globally.
  • It can be a result of various factors such as depression, trauma, and substance abuse.
Commit suicide
  • The term "commit suicide" is often considered outdated and stigmatizing.
  • It implies that suicide is a crime and the person has committed a sin.
  • The preferred terminology is "died by suicide".

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Suicide” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Suicide
473,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
  2. The high suicide rate among young adults is a cause for concern.
  3. The singer's suicide shocked the music industry and her fans.
Commit suicide
20,300,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. It is important to recognize warning signs in loved ones who may be considering committing suicide.
  2. Some cultures stigmatize those who commit suicide, causing additional pain for the loved ones left behind.
  3. It is important to seek help and support for those who are struggling with thoughts of committing suicide.
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