self-consuming

adjective

self-con·​sum·​ing ˌself-kən-ˈsü-miŋ How to pronounce self-consuming (audio)
: consuming oneself or itself: such as
a
: taking all of a person's time and attention : being the only thing a person thinks about : all-consuming
self-consuming hatred/passion/desire
b
: acting to destroy itself or use itself up
a self-consuming fire

Examples of self-consuming in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If the prototype were to be put into action, the team said the self-consuming technology would help reduce the amount of orbital debris littering outer space. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024 His Freudian need to replace his father is all-consuming and, perhaps, ultimately self-consuming. Matthew Gilbert, BostonGlobe.com, 25 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-consuming.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-consuming was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near self-consuming

Cite this Entry

“Self-consuming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-consuming. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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