self-destruct

present singular third person self-destructs · participle present self-destructing · participle past self-destructed · past self-destructed

1. figurativelyusuallyTo destroy oneself or itself.

   The submarine was primed to self-destruct.

   1 more example

   The Ferraris pressed the self-destruct button, Lewis Hamilton lost his spot on the podium, and there were champagne moments for Pierre Gasly and Carlos Sainz Jr.

   2019 November 17, Sarah Holt, “Verstappen wins Brazilian GP as Ferraris collide AND Gasly and Sainz claim first F1 podiums”, in CNN

   Synonyms: autodestruct

2. To destroy or greatly damage one's position in a game, in one's work or career, in one's financial or social position, etc.

   Dating the boss is a bad move: if it goes badly, you could self-destruct.

   1 more example

   If you attack with an energy level of only 30 you are going to self-destruct.

1. uncountableliteratureA feature of a system whereby it destroys itself.

   They won't take any prisoners! Activate the self-destruct!

   Synonyms: autodestruct, autodestruction