suicide /so̅o̅″isīd/ [L, sui, of oneself, caedere, to kill] , 1. the intentional taking of one’s own life. 2. (Informal) the ruin or destruction of one’s own interests. 3. a person who commits or attempts self-destruction. Early signs of suicidal intent include depression; expressions of guilt, tension, and agitation; insomnia; loss of weight and appetite; neglect of personal appearance; giving away of personal or valued possessions; and direct or indirect threats to commit suicide.
