Self-lacerating

Describing a person or their behavior characterized by harsh, critical, and often excessive self-blame or self-punishment. It often manifests as dwelling on personal flaws, mistakes, or perceived inadequacies, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem. The behavior can range from verbal self-criticism to self-harming actions, both physically and emotionally. self-lacerating individuals may struggle with perfectionism, have a tendency to catastrophize, and find it difficult to accept compliments or positive feedback. It's a destructive pattern of thinking and behavior that negatively impacts mental well-being and relationships, stemming from deep-seated insecurities or traumatic experiences.

Self-lacerating meaning with examples

• After the failed presentation, Mark engaged in self-lacerating thought, replaying every perceived mistake and berating himself for his lack of preparation, even though his colleagues found it satisfactory. He spent the evening consumed by self-doubt, unable to shake off the feeling of inadequacy. His self-inflicted mental wounds hampered any chance of moving on.
• The actress, a perfectionist, was known for her self-lacerating tendencies. Despite critical acclaim, she fixated on minor flaws in her performances, critiquing her appearance and abilities. She was haunted by self-doubt, often isolating herself. Her relentless pursuit of perfection prevented her from enjoying her success.
• Recovering from a challenging breakup, Sarah found herself trapped in a cycle of self-lacerating analysis. She constantly questioned her choices and attributes, assuming blame for the relationship's demise. This negativity crippled her resolve, affecting her self-esteem to a debilitating extent, thereby prolonging the recovery period.
• Driven by a fear of failure, the student adopted a self-lacerating approach to his studies. He blamed himself for not grasping complex concepts and doubted his intelligence. He would work for hours to attempt to alleviate his self-perceived shortcomings and often stayed up at night.
• The comedian's stand-up routine was laced with self-lacerating humor, openly mocking his personal insecurities and past failures, which, despite entertaining, revealed a glimpse of his ongoing internal struggle. While the audience laughed, one could see how it had taken a toll on him.