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# took his own life

phrase (idiom, verb phrase: take one's own life, takes, took, taken, taking; also «took her/their own life»)

«took his own life» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

(euphemism, polite) killed himself on purpose; died by suicide.

### In the lessons

A gentle, respectful way to speak of suicide, used in news, by doctors, families and schools in all English-speaking countries. Today many guides say «died by suicide» or «took his own life» rather than «committed suicide», which sounds like a crime. Serious; never a joke.

### Examples

- (news) The singer took his own life after a long illness, his family said.
- (family) Her uncle took his own life, and they still miss him.
- (school assembly) If you ever feel very low, talk to an adult you trust; help is there.
- (report) The inquiry found that the patient took his own life.
- (book) The novel's hero is saved by a friend before he can take his own life.
- (helpline) If someone you know talks about taking their own life, tell a trusted adult straight away.

### Note

Trap: «took» does not mean carried or stole. This is a very serious subject; never use it lightly. If a friend talks about it, tell a trusted adult or call a helpline. Change the pronoun: took her own life, took their own life.