self-destruct

[self-di-struhkt]

verb (used without object)

1. to destroy itself or oneself.

   The missile is built so that a malfunction will cause it to self-destruct.

2. to cause itself or oneself to reach a state of collapse, dysfunction, confusion, or the like.

   The committee is so disorganized it will probably self-destruct before it can accomplish anything.

adjective

1. causing something to self-destruct.

   a self-destruct mechanism.

self-destruct

verb

1. (intr) to explode or disintegrate automatically as a result of pre-programming

   the missile self-destructed

2. to destroy oneself, one's reputation, etc, through one's habits or actions

   I totally self-destructed with drugs

noun

1. ( as modifier )

   hit the self-destruct button

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-destruct¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70