self-destruct
nounEtymology From self- + destruct.
1
Literature, Media, Publishing, Science fiction A feature of a system whereby it destroys itself.
- They won't take any prisoners! Activate the self-destruct!
self-destruct
verbEtymology From self- + destruct.
1
Figuratively, Usually To destroy oneself or itself.
- The submarine was primed to self-destruct.
- 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:
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.
- If you attack with an energy level of only 30 you are going to self-destruct.
- Dating the boss is a bad move: if it goes badly, you could self-destruct.
- Derived terms
- self-destruction