Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of blaming or criticizing oneself severely: "Self-condemnation" refers to the internal process of admitting personal failure or wrongdoing and harshly judging oneself for it. It involves acknowledging that one has not met a personal standard or expectation.

Usage

"Self-condemnation" is used to describe a state of intense, often negative, self-judgment. It is typically an internal, private experience rather than a public declaration. It is a formal term often found in psychological, philosophical, or religious contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • His constant self-condemnation prevented him from moving past the mistake.
  • After the argument, she was filled with self-condemnation for her harsh words.
  • Therapy helped him overcome his cycle of guilt and self-condemnation.

Advanced Usage

• "A spiral of self-condemnation": A pattern where negative self-judgment intensifies and leads to further negative feelings.

  • The criticism triggered a spiral of self-condemnation that was hard to escape.

• "To be prone to self-condemnation": To have a tendency to blame oneself harshly.

  • Perfectionists are often prone to excessive self-condemnation.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-reproach (n): A very close synonym, meaning blame directed at oneself.
• Self-accusation (n): The act of formally charging or blaming oneself for something.
• Self-critical (adj): Inclined to find fault with oneself.

Synonyms

• Self-reproach: Blame directed inward.
• Guilt: A feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing (can be a cause or component of self-condemnation).
• Remorse: Deep regret for a wrong committed.

Antonyms

• Self-acceptance: Acceptance of oneself, including flaws.
• Self-forgiveness: The act of forgiving oneself.
• Self-justification: The act of defending or justifying one's actions to oneself.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To be one's own worst critic": To judge oneself more harshly than anyone else would. This idiom describes the attitude underlying self-condemnation.
  • You need to stop being your own worst critic; a little self-compassion would help.

Noun

1. an admission that you have failed to do or be something you know you should do or be