self-destruct

Definition of self-destructnext

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 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 Engineers also replaced batteries in the rocket's self-destruct system, recharged a variety of other batteries and replaced seals in the first stage liquid oxygen propellant umbilical mechanism. William Harwood, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-destruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-destruct
Verb
  • That then reversed in July as chip stocks imploded with the group seen as too overheated by some.
    Alex Harring,Sean Conlon,Sarah Min, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • There have been surprisingly few disasters—just six companies, about 2%, imploded or shut down.
    Richard Nieva, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • In a time yet to be named, when the couple’s love crumbled in the dead of night during a blackout, the planet became populated once more.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of crumbling in defeat, Rivera roared back with defiance.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The first is the construction of the data center building, and the second is the compute servers and networking equipment that go under the roof.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Drivers will not be able go under the interstate as workers construct bridges.
    Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 17 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-destruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-destruct. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster