self-destruct

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English

Etymology

From self- +‎ destruct.

Verb

self-destruct (third-person singular simple present self-destructs, present participle self-destructing, simple past and past participle self-destructed)

  1. (usually figuratively) To destroy oneself or itself.
    The submarine was primed to self-destruct.
    • 2019 November 17, Sarah Holt, “Verstappen wins Brazilian GP as Ferraris collide AND Gasly and Sainz claim first F1 podiums”, in CNN:
      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.
  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.

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