suicidal
adj. · n.-
1 wanting to end one's life (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Medicinefeeling so unhappy or hopeless that you want to kill yourself.
relating to or likely to commit suicide; describing a person experiencing a mental health crisis involving self-harm ideation.
ExampleThe doctor was very concerned because the patient felt suicidal after losing his job.
ExampleMedical professionals are trained to identify suicidal ideation in patients who may not explicitly state their intention to harm themselves.
UsageOften used with the verb 'feel' or 'be'.
- despairing
- self destructive
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2 extremely dangerous or reckless (adj.) C1 Advanced Informaldescribing an action that is so risky it will probably lead to death or a complete disaster.
describing a course of action that is likely to result in the death of the participants or the total destruction of an enterprise.
ExampleDriving that fast on these icy roads is absolutely suicidal.
ExampleThe general argued that a frontal assault on such a heavily fortified position would be suicidal for the infantry.
Teacher's tipIn informal contexts, this is used as a strong hyperbole for any very risky decision, not just physical danger.
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3 a person at risk (n.) C2 Proficiency Formala person who is likely to try to kill themselves.
an individual who is likely to commit or attempt to commit suicide.
ExampleThe clinic provides a safe space and 24-hour care for potential suicidals.
ExampleThe study followed a group of known suicidals to determine which intervention methods were most effective at preventing self-harm.
UsageThis noun use is less common than the adjective and can sound clinical or dated.
From suicide + -al.