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
When Clark rejects the truth, forcing Mary to validate his delusions, the self-destructive circle closes and Clark is consumed by himself.
—
Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
The result is a self-destructive integration that threatens to bring down the Internet’s greatest monopoly.
—Sunil Sharan, Fortune, 27 May 2026
Botwin emphasizes that while there is no cure for PTSD or trauma responses, the key to managing them is to face the trauma, avoid self-destructive coping strategies, process feelings and practice self-compassion.
—Sarah Dewberry, CNN Money, 27 May 2026
As her behavior becomes increasingly troubling and self-destructive, Bear realizes he’s trapped in her jealous loop, the only way out through death.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-destructive
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Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
The result is a self-destructive integration that threatens to bring down the Internet’s greatest monopoly.
—Sunil Sharan, Fortune, 27 May 2026
Botwin emphasizes that while there is no cure for PTSD or trauma responses, the key to managing them is to face the trauma, avoid self-destructive coping strategies, process feelings and practice self-compassion.
—Sarah Dewberry, CNN Money, 27 May 2026
As her behavior becomes increasingly troubling and self-destructive, Bear realizes he’s trapped in her jealous loop, the only way out through death.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 23 May 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 5 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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