self-destructive
adjective
self-de·struc·tive
ˌself-di-ˈstrək-tiv 
: acting or tending to harm or destroy oneself
self-destructive behavior
self-destructiveness
noun
Examples of self-destructive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Under them, a chatbot must not be able to interact with someone under 18 unless it is programmed against encouraging self-destructive behavior and provides parents with tools to manage the child’s use.
—
Marc Levy,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
There’s the exploration of the self-destructive nature of eating disorders.
—
Ct Jones,
Rolling Stone,
20 June 2026
Last year, Marisa Abela won a BAFTA for her central role, and now all eyes are on fellow original star Myha’la, who got her biggest showcase yet in season four as the mercurial, brilliant, self-destructive Harper Stern.
—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
19 June 2026
Most people subjected to conversion practices experience negative effects, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social isolation, as well as substance use and other self-destructive behaviors.
—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-destructive
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Marc Levy,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
There’s the exploration of the self-destructive nature of eating disorders.
—
Ct Jones,
Rolling Stone,
20 June 2026
Last year, Marisa Abela won a BAFTA for her central role, and now all eyes are on fellow original star Myha’la, who got her biggest showcase yet in season four as the mercurial, brilliant, self-destructive Harper Stern.
—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
19 June 2026
Most people subjected to conversion practices experience negative effects, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social isolation, as well as substance use and other self-destructive behaviors.
—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-destructive
Cite this Entry
“Self-destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-destructive. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
self-destructive
adjective
self-de·struc·tive
-ˈstrək-tiv
: acting or tending to harm or destroy oneself
self-destructive behavior
also
: suicidal
self-destructively
adverb
self-destructiveness
noun
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