self-destruct: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal/Technical (depending on context)
Quick answer
What does “self-destruct” mean?
To destroy itself or oneself automatically, typically as a deliberate function.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To destroy itself or oneself automatically, typically as a deliberate function.
To bring about one's own failure, ruin, or demise through one's actions or inherent flaws; a metaphorical process of collapse from within.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; usage is identical. The hyphen is standard in both.
Connotations
Identical connotations of automatic or programmed destruction.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American media (esp. action/sci-fi), but widely used in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “self-destruct” in a Sentence
[Subject] self-destructs[Subject] is programmed to self-destruct[Subject] has a self-destruct mechanismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-destruct” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The device is designed to self-destruct if tampered with.
- His political campaign began to self-destruct after the scandal.
American English
- The drone will self-destruct in 10 seconds.
- She has a tendency to self-destruct when under pressure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The merger will self-destruct if the cultures can't align.' Refers to projects or deals failing due to internal issues.
Academic
'The authoritarian regime contained the seeds of its own self-destruction.' Used in political science/history.
Everyday
'If you keep lying, your relationships will self-destruct.' Figurative use about personal situations.
Technical
'The probe's self-destruct sequence was activated upon re-entry failure.' Used in engineering/space.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-destruct”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-destruct”
- Using 'self-destruction' as a verb (noun form). Incorrect: 'It will self-destruction.' Correct: 'It will self-destruct.'
- Omitting the hyphen: 'self destruct' (less standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its origin is technical (devices destroying themselves automatically), it is now very commonly used figuratively for people, plans, or systems causing their own downfall.
The noun form is 'self-destruction'. Example: 'His career was an act of self-destruction.'
Grammatically, it functions like an intransitive verb (it doesn't take an object). Semantically, it is inherently reflexive—the subject acts upon itself.
'Auto-destruct' is a less common synonym, primarily used in technical/science fiction contexts. 'Self-destruct' is the standard, widely accepted term.
To destroy itself or oneself automatically, typically as a deliberate function.
Self-destruct is usually informal/technical (depending on context) in register.
Self-destruct: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself dɪˈstrʌkt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛlf dɪˈstrəkt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have a built-in self-destruct button (figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a sci-fi SPY device: SELF (it acts on itself) DESTRUCT (like 'destroy' + 'instruct' – it's programmed to blow up).
Conceptual Metaphor
SYSTEMS ARE MACHINES / PEOPLE ARE MACHINES (with a fatal built-in flaw or program).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'self-destruct' used LEAST literally?