self-destruction

noun

self-de·​struc·​tion ˌself-di-ˈstrək-shən 

: destruction of oneself

especially : suicide

Synonyms

• self-murder
• self-slaughter
• suicide

Examples of self-destruction in a Sentence

the controversy over self-destruction accomplished with the assistance of a physician or other person

Recent Examples on the Web

Fierstein wrote and starred in Torch Song Trilogy, an early mainstream depiction of gay relationships without stereotypes of self-destruction. —Mark Seliger, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025

The right to self-determination can become the right to self-destruction. —Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

In comparison to the Ratliff family’s self-destruction and Rick’s Hamlet campaign, the juvenile bickering between the ladies feels quaint. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2025

The person who receives this confession is Marlowe Woods, Nila’s boyfriend and the principal instrument of her self-destruction. —Anahid Nersessian, The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-destruction

• aqueducts
• reconstructs
• conducts
• constructs
• deducts
• instructs
• obstructs
• ducts

Kids Definition

self-destruction

noun

self-de·​struc·​tion

ˌself-di-ˈstrək-shən

: destruction of oneself

especially : suicide sense 1

self-destructive

-ˈstrək-tiv

adjective

Medical Definition

self-destruction

noun

self-de·​struc·​tion -di-ˈstrək-shən 

: destruction of oneself

especially : suicide