self-destructverb [ I ]
uk/ˌself.dɪˈstrʌkt/us/ˌself.dɪˈstrʌkt/If a machine or weapon self-destructs, it destroys itself, especially in a way that is planned:
An investigation is underway after a missile self-destructed shortly after it was launched.
(the/sb's) self-destruct button
a characteristic in a person that makes them likely to fail because of their own actions:
At least he reached the semifinal before hitting the self-destruct button.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Destroying and demolishing
- annihilate
- apocalypse
- be sacrificed on the altar of sth idiom
- blast
- blast/blow sb/sth to kingdom come idiom
- fall in
- kill sth off
- kill the goose that lays the golden egg idiom
- knock
- knock sth down
- sacrifice
- sink
- smash
- stave sth in
- take sb/sth out
- tear 1
- tear sth apart
- tear sth down
- teardown
- wipe
See more results »
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Dangerous and harmful
self-destruction
noun [ U ] uk/ˌself.dɪˈstrʌk.ʃən/us/ˌself.dɪˈstrʌk.ʃən/
Barrymore was a wonderful actor bent on self-destruction.
self-destructive
adjective uk/ˌself.dɪˈstrʌk.tɪv/us/ˌself.dɪˈstrʌk.tɪv/
He is rebellious, aggressive and at times self-destructive.