self-destruction

noun

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

: destruction of oneself

especially : suicide

Synonyms of self-destruction

• 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

Krasner came to artistic maturity during the time of Abstract Expressionism, which mythologized masculinity and self-destruction as artistic proof of life. —Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 Apr. 2026

While answering a question about how negative public perceptions may have led to perpetuating cycles of self-destruction, Dunham brought up how those narratives echoed themselves on television. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 Apr. 2026

The daffodil does not fight the sufferings of life but gives way to it with an intentional act of self-destruction. —Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

With Harry, a personal spiral is only one case away, and as the series begins, there are several percolating catastrophes that might be ready to dovetail in self-destruction. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026

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