self-punishment

noun
UK: /ˌselfˈpʌnɪʃmənt/
US: /ˌselfˈpʌnɪʃmənt/

  1. The act of punishing yourself, often as a way to feel better about something wrong you have done or feel guilty about.

    1. His constant apologies felt like a form of self-punishment for his mistake.
    2. She saw her excessive cleaning as a type of self-punishment for not being a perfect homemaker.

  2. Behavior or actions that cause oneself pain or suffering, usually as a result of feeling guilt or remorse.

    1. He deprived himself of sleep, a clear act of self-punishment after the argument.
    2. Her refusal to accept help seemed like self-punishment for a perceived failure in the past.

Synonyms

self-flagellation penance atonement mortification

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "self-punishment" in English means: The act of punishing yourself, often as a way to feel better about something wrong you have done or feel guilty about., Behavior or actions that cause oneself pain or suffering, usually as a result of feeling guilt or remorse..

The phonetic transcription of "self-punishment" is /ˌselfˈpʌnɪʃmənt/ in British English and /ˌselfˈpʌnɪʃmənt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "self-punishment": self-flagellation, penance, atonement, mortification.

Example usage of "self-punishment": "His constant apologies felt like a form of self-punishment for his mistake.". More examples on the page.