harakiri

[hahr-uh-keer-ee]

harakiri Definition

a form of Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment with a sword, formerly practiced by samurai.

Using harakiri: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "harakiri" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The samurai committed harakiri to avoid capture by the enemy.

• Example

  Harakiri was considered an honorable way for a samurai to die.

• Example

  The practice of harakiri is no longer legal in Japan.

Phrases with harakiri

• commit harakiri

  to perform the act of ritual suicide by disembowelment with a sword

  Example

  The samurai chose to commit harakiri rather than face defeat.

• harakiri blade

  a sword used for the act of harakiri

  Example

  The samurai prepared his harakiri blade before performing the ritual.

• harakiri seat

  a cushion placed for the samurai to kneel on while performing harakiri

  Example

  The harakiri seat was prepared for the samurai to perform the ritual.

Origins of harakiri

from Japanese 'seppuku', meaning 'stomach-cutting'

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Summary: harakiri in Brief

'Harakiri' [hahr-uh-keer-ee] is a noun that refers to a form of Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment with a sword, formerly practiced by samurai. It is considered an honorable way for a samurai to die and is performed to avoid capture by the enemy. The practice of harakiri is no longer legal in Japan.