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 Simon insisted that, contrary to Ehrlich’s predictions, humanity would not self-destruct by overusing the planet’s resources. Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 The radical outliers self-destruct during the high jinks (they get arrested or killed), but most people exhaust themselves and are happy to return to their workweek lives. Chuck Palahniuk, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025 Today’s software needs to prevent problems from happening, not proliferate them or self-destruct. Laura Crabtree, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025 Halfmann found it a bit unsettling to think that so many cells carry these self-destruct buttons just waiting to be pushed. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-destruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-destruct
Verb
  • The wear and tear of the season usually causes Rockies relievers to implode in August and September.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Marty’s lavish wedding — staged in what appears to be the Bellagio courtyard — then implodes when FBI agents storm in and arrest his bride for international fraud.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That order is crumbling, and many of our former strengths built on our close ties to the United States have become our weaknesses.
    Keely Bastow, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The top of his head drilled Bona’s chest, and the Celtics guard crumbled to the court, holding his neck.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If Ohio State does go under center more often with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Roberts could be a big weapon.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The jacket, which is expected to fetch between £250,000 ($339,000) and £350,000 ($474,000), is the only one from a survivor of the 1912 tragedy to go under the hammer, according to UK auction house Henry Aldridge and Son.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 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 1 May. 2026.

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