self-destruct

verb

Definition of self-destructnext
as in to implode

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of self-destruct Now, the material doesn’t just spontaneously self-destruct. — New Atlas, 11 May 2026 Researchers have developed a new type of plastic that can self-destruct on command. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026 So, when it is confirmed that the FBI can extract incoming Signal messages on an iPhone in the physical possession of agents, even if the Signal app itself has already been deleted, and messages were set to self-destruct, alarm bells tend to sound. — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026 In that kind of disaster scenario, the crew capsule separates to save the astronauts, and the rocket self-destructs to avoid risk to people on the ground in its flight path. — Charlie Gile, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-destruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-destruct
  1. implode
  2. crumble
  3. go under
Verb
  • But his campaign began investing its modest war chest just before Democratic rival Eric Swalwell’s campaign imploded, and Becerra surged to win.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Boldly directed by Austrian filmmaker Marie Kreutzer, the movie shows a family imploding after criminal accusations are made — ones that cut to the heart of parenting.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of implode
Verb
  • The unrest began with a handful of student demonstrations over crumbling infrastructure and overcrowded high-school classrooms, then rippled across France to encompass labor unions with grievances over the cost of living.
    — Sarah Moroz, Pitchfork, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Invite more than four, the regular season would be severely diminished and the very structure of the game would crumble.
    — Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of crumble
Verb
  • The letter Brian Jones sent to Charlie Watts asking him to join the band that would soon become the Rolling Stones will go under the gavel at Sotheby’s this winter.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Those opposed to the legislation have raised concerns that small businesses that support Amazon deliveries would go under if the law were to take effect.
    — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of go under

Browse Nearby Words

self-despair
self-destruct
self-destructed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-destruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-destruct. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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