as in to implode
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Recent Examples of self-destruct
Some are outfitted with dozens of pounds of explosives to self-destruct near fortifications or bridges.
—
Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 29 Jan. 2026
Simon insisted that, contrary to Ehrlich’s predictions, humanity would not self-destruct by overusing the planet’s resources.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The radical outliers self-destruct during the high jinks (they get arrested or killed), but most people exhaust themselves and are happy to return to their workweek lives.
—Chuck Palahniuk, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
Today’s software needs to prevent problems from happening, not proliferate them or self-destruct.
—Laura Crabtree, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-destruct
Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 29 Jan. 2026
Simon insisted that, contrary to Ehrlich’s predictions, humanity would not self-destruct by overusing the planet’s resources.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The radical outliers self-destruct during the high jinks (they get arrested or killed), but most people exhaust themselves and are happy to return to their workweek lives.
—Chuck Palahniuk, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
Today’s software needs to prevent problems from happening, not proliferate them or self-destruct.
—Laura Crabtree, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-destruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-destruct
Verb
-
The Clash are singing of a city aflame, the Sex Pistols are somehow getting more popular after imploding on tour, and on every street corner, mohawks and safety pins are on rebellious display.—
Peter Larsen,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
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That brand-safe approach has made her pod a first stop for many outgoing Netflix stars, including Ashley Adionser, who gave her a viral interview unpacking how her relationship with Tyler Francis imploded.—
Laura Bradley,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
A lot of the old ways and structures the industry was built around have shifted or crumbled.—
Josh Weiss,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
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The mounting costs of Putin’s war on Ukraine have contributed to the nation’s shift, as Russians grapple with higher inflation, more taxes, crumbling infrastructure, tighter censorship, and myriad new restrictions.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Two more of his former grails will go under the gavel at Phillips New York this summer.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
12 May 2026
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The indictment alleges that using the proper pump would have allowed the ship to regain power and go under the bridge.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-destruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-destruct. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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