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

There will be blood, unsurprisingly, as well as violence, violations, self-destruction, and tragedy of both the intimate and the overarching, sociological kind. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024

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

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