self-destruct
[ self-di-struhkt ]
/ ˈsɛlf dɪˈstrʌkt /
verb (used without object)
to destroy itself or oneself: The missile is built so that a malfunction will cause it to self-destruct.
to cause itself or oneself to reach a state of collapse, dysfunction, confusion, or the like: The committee is so disorganized it will probably self-destruct before it can accomplish anything.
adjective
causing something to self-destruct: a self-destruct mechanism.
Origin of self-destruct
An Americanism dating back to 1965–70
Words nearby self-destruct
Example sentences from the Web for self-destruct
British Dictionary definitions for self-destruct
self-destruct
verb
(intr)
to explode or disintegrate automatically as a result of pre-programming
the missile self-destructed
to destroy oneself, one's reputation, etc, through one's habits or actions
I totally self-destructed with drugs
noun
(as modifier)
hit the self-destruct button