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.
The film barely finished in time for the Telluride Film Festival, as Tyrnauer had to reshoot the entire ending after President Joseph Biden self-destructed at the first presidential debate. Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024 Allow The Use Of Temporary Identification Methods Offer a feature where users can leverage temporary, self-destructing identity data—like a disposable email address or a temporary login credential—for specific, short-term uses. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Iranian officials said the weapon had used artificial intelligence and facial recognition to detect Fakhrizadeh and open fire, before the car, reportedly packed with explosives, self-destructed. Christian Edwards, CNN, 19 Sep. 2024 The highly valuable work had just hammered down for $1.13 million before it self-destructed. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 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 21 Nov. 2024.

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