self-destruction

American  

[self-di-struhk-shuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlf dɪˈstrʌk ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. the destruction or ruination of oneself or one's life.

2. suicide.

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self-destruction British  

noun

1. the act or an instance of self-destructing

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Etymology

Origin of self-destruction

First recorded in 1580–90

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

self-destruction

That connection is especially important because cancer treatments such as radiation often work by damaging tumor cells enough to trigger their self-destruction.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 18, 2026

We have written a bit about Mace and the self-destruction she’ll put herself through to satisfy an unhealthy need for camera time.

From Slate ● Jun. 13, 2026

This is a losing battle by definition, one that testifies to the nihilistic self-hatred and appetite for self-destruction that Baudrillard observed in 2002.

From Salon ● Feb. 8, 2026

Their penchant for self-destruction has clearly been part of their preamble this time around.

From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2026

It seemed to me that for the Negro to try to save himself he would have to forget himself and try to save a confused, materialistic nation from its own drift toward self-destruction.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright

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