destruct

American  

[dih-struhkt] / dɪˈstrʌkt /

adjective

1. serving or designed to destroy.

   a destruct mechanism on a missile.

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noun

1. the act or process of intentional destruction.

   One out of ten launchings ended in destructs.

verb (used with object)

1. to destroy.

verb (used without object)

1. to be destroyed.

destruct British  

/ dɪˈstrʌkt /

verb

1. to destroy (one's own missile or rocket) for safety

2. (intr) (of a missile or rocket) to be destroyed, for safety, by those controlling it; self-destruct

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noun

1. the act of destructing

adjective

1. designed to be capable of destroying itself or the object, system, or installation containing it

   destruct mechanism

Etymology

Origin of destruct

First recorded in 1630–40; back formation from destruction

Example Sentences

When Allen was forced to hire someone new in the mix — a general manager — he hired one he knew would self destruct in Scot McCloughan.

From Washington Times

“Many people stayed in the area and continued to light fires, and destruct federal courthouse property,” said the police statement.

From Washington Times

“Our team member was assaulted and threatened while the customer destructed property and threw everything on the counter as well as the plexiglass screen at her,” the Greek Spot wrote on its Facebook page.

From Washington Post

Chad Daybell was arrested on suspicion of concealing or destructing evidence and has been booked into jail.

From Seattle Times

Chad Daybell was arrested on suspicion of concealing or destructing evidence and has been booked into jail.

From Washington Times