altruistic suicide


Also found in: Medical.

altruistic suicide

the form of SUICIDE identified by DURKHEIM (1897) as occurring in highly integrated societies and in certain types of social organization where social integration is similarly strong. Examples of altruistic suicide are the euthanasia of the old and infirm as practised in some simple societies, or suicides of honour (e.g. among the military). See also EGOISTIC SUICIDE, ANOMIC SUICIDE.