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
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The subgenre is often marked by mental health struggles, self-destructive behavior, inner turmoil, unfulfilling or otherwise lacking relationships and an overall sense of melancholy.
—
Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
New Orleans came all the way back to edge the self-destructive Panthers, 20-17, on Sunday on a last-second field goal.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 15 Dec. 2025
The record is at once sensual, self-destructive, and lovelorn.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 2025
The United States and Israel will need to adapt if their relationship is to survive, transitioning from exceptional but self-destructive cooperation to a more normal relationship that can still form the basis of an alliance.
—Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025
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Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
New Orleans came all the way back to edge the self-destructive Panthers, 20-17, on Sunday on a last-second field goal.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 15 Dec. 2025
The record is at once sensual, self-destructive, and lovelorn.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 2025
The United States and Israel will need to adapt if their relationship is to survive, transitioning from exceptional but self-destructive cooperation to a more normal relationship that can still form the basis of an alliance.
—Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025
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 Dec. 2025.
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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