What term describes the act of intentionally causing one's own death?

The term that describes the act of intentionally causing one's own death is suicide. This concept is specifically focused on the individual's choice to end their own life, distinguishing it from other terms related to fatal outcomes.

In the context of law and public safety, suicide is recognized as a significant public health issue, and understanding it helps in addressing mental health challenges and providing appropriate support services. Distinguishing suicide from homicide, which involves the killing of another person, and manslaughter, typically defined as an unintentional killing resulting from criminal negligence or passion, is critical in legal contexts. Assisted suicide, meanwhile, involves another person aiding an individual in ending their life and is specifically governed by different laws in various jurisdictions.

Overall, recognizing suicide as an act of self-directed fatality is essential for both legal definitions and mental health discourse.