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

Any band that’s successful opens the door to excess, self-destruction. —John Hopewell, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024

Though often mired in themes of self-destruction and volatility, the music of Wunderhorse is uplifting, cathartic, and compassionate. —Sophie Williams, Billboard, 9 Dec. 2024

But its maker insists the movie’s politically pointed portrait of our species’ self-destruction is, ultimately, hopeful. —Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 7 Dec. 2024

Season one is a smutty yet wonderful crescendo of self-destruction driven by a cast of characters that includes Fleabag’s intensely awkward sister Claire (Sian Clifford), her selfish and pretentious stepmother (Olivia Colman), and her clueless father (Bill Paterson). —Matt Kamen, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

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