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Term: Harikari

Noun:

Sense 1: A traditional form of Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment practiced by samurai to restore honor.

Example Sentence: The samurai chose harikari as a means to atone for their failure in protecting their lord.

Sense 2: Figuratively, an act of killing oneself or sacrificing one's interests or reputation.

Example Sentence: The CEO's resignation was seen as an act of harikari, as he took the blame for the company's financial disaster.

Verb:

Sense 1: To commit harikari, a form of ritual suicide.

Example Sentence: The samurai made the difficult decision to harikari after being dishonored in battle.

Sense 2: To metaphorically sacrifice oneself or one's interests for a greater cause.

Example Sentence: Despite knowing the consequences, the politician decided to harikari by speaking out against corruption in the party.

Alternative Spellings: Harakiri

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