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
  • Faced with a currency in free fall, a banking crisis, and an imploding economy, President Jamil Mahuad announced on January 9, 2000, that Ecuador would replace the sucre with the dollar at 25,000 sucres to the dollar.
    — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
  • On June 18, 2023, the Titan imploded off the Titanic’s bow, instantly killing all five on board.
    — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • As ocean levels rise, waves crash farther inland and the coast continues to crumble, Southern California is on track to lose 30 to 70% of its beaches over the next several decades.
    — Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Jarman pointed out, rightly, that in the 1630s, the walls wouldn’t have been crumbling at all.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The collection will go under the gavel in New York on December 7, where it is expected to hammer down for roughly $9 million.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The first refinery to be built in the United States in decades will go under construction next year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Self-destruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-destruct. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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