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.
These mines are designed to self-destruct after a set period of time—this is meant to prevent casualties from mines planted in long-dormant battlefields. Michael Holtz, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025 Back then, a handful of photos and images from the Florida Keys and Puerto Rico showed debris in the sky after Starship activated its self-destruct mechanism due to an onboard fire caused by a dump of liquid oxygen propellant. Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025 The choice is between a regenerative and renewable economy that fosters long-term, compounding growth, and a degenerative one that self-destructs. Rose Marcario, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025 One that doesn’t embrace these pillars can ultimately create an echo chamber of stagnation and, in some cases, self-destruct. Adam Povlitz, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 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 Jan. 2025.

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