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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

self-destruction

After the break, and again against Cape Verde, Uruguay at least created chances — and without two moments of self-destruction would already be through to the last 32.

From BBC ● Jun. 26, 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

Europe’s savage self-destruction reunited techne and themis: the technologies of the Industrial Revolution and the ideologies of the French Revolution.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 13, 2026

But what begins as the sleazy and alluring tale of a man parachuting into self-destruction turns into an exploration of the transformative power of living in one’s true identity.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 22, 2025

Perhaps we are mistaken in our belief that at least occasional civilizations avoid self-destruction.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan