seppuku
/sɛˈpuːkuː/
noun
- A Japanese ritual suicide by cutting open the abdomen with a knife or sword, traditionally performed by samurai to avoid dishonor or as a death sentence.
- In feudal Japan, seppuku was considered a noble way to die.
- The historical drama depicted a scene of seppuku with great solemnity.
- The samurai chose seppuku over capture to preserve his honor.
- An act of self-destruction or self-sabotage, especially in a political or professional context.
- The CEO's resignation was seen as political seppuku after the scandal.
- His public outburst was career seppuku in a company that valued discretion.
- By rejecting the compromise, the party committed electoral seppuku.
Synonyms