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

"Our particles push that stress a little further -- enough to trigger self-destruction in cancer cells, while healthy cells cope just fine."

From Science Daily

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

For the record, I don’t have one to share beyond noting how Carol’s plight highlights our species’ natural talent for self-destruction.

From Salon

What emerges is an unvarnished chronicle: flashes of vision and vulnerability, spectacle and self-destruction, all captured through the lens of a young cameraman embedded in Ye’s orbit.

From Los Angeles Times

Cultural stagnation is a form of willed self-destruction at the popular level.

From Salon