self-destruct

American  

[self-di-struhkt] / ˈsɛlf dɪˈstrʌkt /

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.

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adjective

1. causing something to self-destruct.

   a self-destruct mechanism.

self-destruct British  

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

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noun

1. ( as modifier )

   hit the self-destruct button

Etymology

Origin of self-destruct

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Example Sentences

"But it doesn't help our chances of success if Ben Stokes keeps encouraging our batsmen to attack, attack with one finger hovering over the self-destruct button," Boycott wrote in his Daily Telegraph column.

From Barron's

These shoot a virus such as herpes into tumors, causing them to self-destruct.

From The Wall Street Journal

What makes Melissa unusual is that it stalled and intensified in the same spot -- a sign that the water was so warm, and the warmth ran so deep, it avoided the usual self-destructing effect.

From Barron's

The local authority pointed out the messages were set to "automatic self-destruct mode" – and said they represented evidence of a deal to purchase a baby.

From BBC

However, not everyone was blown away, with the Hollywood Reporter saying it's "a disappointing farewell", and Mashable saying the series risked going out with the "fizzled whimper of a message self-destructing in a tape deck".

From BBC