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 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 Food and Drug Administration official Vinay Prasad self-destructed last week. — Matthew Herper, STAT, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-destruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-destruct
  1. implode
  2. crumble
  3. go under
Verb
  • In an industry where even the most seemingly solid groups and duos break up (eh hem, The Neptunes…), producers feud, and creative partnerships often collapse under ego, Jam and Lewis have never publicly imploded.
    — Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 9 July 2026
  • The operation implodes, leaving him stranded behind enemy lines.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Definition of implode
Verb
  • Throughout the album, mary in the junkyard shift constantly, moving from crumbling atmospheric experiments to cloudy Pacific Northwest indie rock to the kind of straightforward classical guitar poems of Leonard Cohen’s early albums.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 7 July 2026
  • An islandwide blackout plunged Cuba’s nearly 10 million residents into darkness Monday, exposing a crumbling power grid and dwindling fuel reserves as officials raced to restore electricity.
    — Milexsy Durán, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of crumble
Verb
  • Stars have spoken about plastic surgery for different reasons over the years — some in the hope of normalizing cosmetic work, others to be upfront about the struggles that led them to go under the knife.
    — Louis Peitzman, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026
  • Nearly four months out from the start of Operation Epic Fury, the staggering scale of Iranian casualties often goes under the radar.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 21 June 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 14 Jul. 2026.

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