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.
Celebrity kids were expected to dazzle early or self-destruct spectacularly for years. Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 Canadian Grand Prix briefing: Lando Norris self-destructs late, George Russell claims win A late crash with his McLaren teammate Piastri ruined Norris' day, while Mercedes earned a double-podium finish as Russell won in Canada There was no finger-pointing or attempt to shift blame. Luke Smith, New York Times, 16 June 2025 Another video from the same location shows the truck used to transport the drones on fire after what appears to be an explosion designed to self-destruct the truck. Benjamin Brown, CNN Money, 3 June 2025 For Flight 8 in particular, the engines shut down unexpectedly minutes after launch, causing the spacecraft to essentially fall apart and self-destruct in midair. Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 28 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-destruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-destruct. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on self-destruct

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!