self destruct
/ˌsɛlfdɪˈstrʌkt/
verb
- To destroy oneself or itself automatically or deliberately, often by a built-in mechanism.
- He watched his career self-destruct after the scandal broke.
- After the mission, the drone will self-destruct to avoid capture.
- The spy's device was programmed to self-destruct if tampered with.
- To ruin one's own life, relationships, or chances through reckless or harmful behavior.
- The team seemed to self-destruct in the final minutes of the game.
- She has a tendency to self-destruct whenever things are going well.
- Instead of apologizing, he chose to self-destruct and push everyone away.
Synonyms
noun
- An act or instance of destroying oneself or itself, especially by a built-in mechanism.
- The villain triggered the self-destruct of the entire base.
- The movie ended with a dramatic self-destruct sequence.
- The spaceship's self-destruct was activated as a last resort.