self-destruct

verb

self-de·​struct ˌself-di-ˈstrəkt How to pronounce self-destruct (audio)
self-destructed; self-destructing; self-destructs

intransitive verb

: to destroy oneself or itself
self-destruct adjective

Examples of self-destruct in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Then around Christmas in 2013, Kinch’s career began to self-destruct. Joshua Kaplan, ProPublica, 4 Jan. 2025 There is much pain in The Vegetarian—the weight of guilt, the desire to self-destruct, the longing to change everything about yourself, the presence of despicable characters—and the plot’s unpredictable trajectory can make for a challenging read. Ilana Masad, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025 When that happens, the craft will be ordered to turn to expose itself to the Sun, causing it to self-destruct. David Szondy, New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025 The rocket self-destructed, marking the company's second failure in nine months, following an explosion during its first launch attempt. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for self-destruct 

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-destruct was in 1968

Dictionary Entries Near self-destruct

Cite this Entry

“Self-destruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-destruct. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.

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