Seppuku vs. Harakiri: What's the Difference?

Seppuku and Harakiri Definitions
Seppuku
Ritual suicide by disembowelment formerly practiced by Japanese samurai. Also called hara-kiri.
Harakiri
Alternative spelling of hara-kiri
Seppuku
A form of ritual suicide by disembowelment using a blade, practiced by Japanese samurai, especially to rid oneself of shame, as a means of protest, or, formerly, as a method of capital punishment.
Harakiri
A ritual form of suicide, by slashing the abdomen, formerly practiced in Japan, and commanded by the government in the cases of disgraced officials; disembowelment; - also written, but incorrectly, hari-kari.
Seppuku
Same as Hara-kiri.
Seppuku, or hara-kiri, also came into vogue.
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Harakiri
Ritual suicide by self-disembowelment on a sword; practiced by warriors in the traditional Japanese society