Agency Dictionary
Seppuku
nounPronunciation: /sɛˈpuː.kuː/
In Portuguese: Seppuku
Culture & Identity
History & CivilizationsWhat does “Seppuku” mean?
A ritual suicide practiced by Japanese samurai to preserve honor, fulfill duty, or atone for a severe failing.
Etymology
From Japanese seppuku, written with the kanji for setsu (to cut) and fuku (belly, abdomen), using the Chinese-derived on'yomi readings of both characters. The more colloquial Japanese term for the same practice is harakiri (belly cutting), which uses the native Japanese kun'yomi readings of the same two characters in reverse order.
Usage note
Seppuku is the more formal term, preferred in historical and academic contexts; harakiri is the colloquial word for the same act.
Synonyms
- harakiri
Usage examples
Telling the truth is sometimes a sacrifice, it is like a seppuku, a samurai suicide in plain daylight - it is ugly but honourable.
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
Words of the same theme
- shogunatenoun
- A feudal military dictatorship in Japan, headed by a shogun, in which loyalty and honour were central to its operation. The system was exclusive to Japan and did not exist in other Asian nations.
- eppur si muoveother
- An Italian phrase meaning and yet it moves. It is used to affirm that a fact remains true no matter who denies it.
- Monoclenoun
- A single eyeglass lens designed to correct or enhance vision in one eye, held in place by the facial muscles around the eye socket.
- Paleolithicadjective
- Relating to the Old Stone Age, the earliest and longest period of human prehistory, marked by chipped stone tools and, in its later phase, by the first cave paintings.
- samurainoun
- A member of the warrior class of feudal Japan, bound by codes of loyalty and honour, who served under the shogunate system. In the article, the samurai class is one of the two groups with access to Noh theatre.
- Agoranoun
- A public open space in ancient Greek cities used for assemblies, commercial markets, and philosophical dialogue.
- Alchemistnoun
- A practitioner of alchemy, seeking to transmute base metals into noble elements and discover a universal cure.
- amphitheatrenoun
- An oval or circular open-air venue with tiered seating used in the Roman world for gladiatorial contests, beast hunts, and public executions.
- aqueductnoun
- An engineered conduit or bridge designed to convey water from distant freshwater springs into urban centers using gravity flow.
- Aûsunoun
- An Old Tupi noun denoting love, affection, friendship, or benevolent regard.
- Aûsubverb
- An Old Tupi transitive verb meaning to love, care for, or hold someone in deep esteem.
- baronnoun
- A member of the aristocracy, or an influential magnate exercising commanding power in a specific industry.
Also from these editions: terms
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- A state of severe hardship, difficulty, or misfortune that tests resilience and moral endurance.
- Blissnoun
- A state of supreme happiness, utter contentment, or serene, untroubled joy.
- Disciplinenoun
- The practice of training one's mind and habits to adhere to rules, duties, and self-restraint.
- Humbleadjective
- Having or showing a modest, unpretentious estimate of one's own importance and achievements.
- Myopianoun
- A visual condition of nearsightedness, used figuratively for narrow-mindedness and lack of long-term foresight.
- Narcissismnoun
- Excessive self-love, self-admiration, and egocentric preoccupation with one's own desires and social status.
- Objectiveadjective
- Based on factual evidence and observable reality rather than personal feelings, biases, or interpretations.
- Opioidnoun
- A substance that acts on nervous system receptors to numb pain, often used metaphorically for emotional desensitization.
- Sincereadjective
- Free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy; genuine, honest, and heartfelt in feeling or intent.
- Statuenoun
- A carved or cast three-dimensional sculpture of a person or animal, often used metaphorically for rigidity.
- Fraternitynoun
- A spirit of brotherly solidarity, mutual goodwill, and shared support among individuals or groups.
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