self-destructive

adjective

self-de·​struc·​tive ˌself-di-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce self-destructive (audio)
: acting or tending to harm or destroy oneself
self-destructive behavior
also : suicidal
a self-destructive impulse
self-destructiveness noun

Examples of self-destructive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An exchange of hostages and a ceasefire do little to address the underlying causes of conflict Donald Trump has not shown the sense of justice—or the daring—to do what's needed to extricate the United States from its self-destructive attachments. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 Williams seemed consumed with how to ensure this wasn’t all a self-destructive, highly dangerous waste of time. Joshua Kaplan, ProPublica, 4 Jan. 2025 In this excerpt, his addicted, self-destructive brother’s stepmother wants to buy him a new car, exposing a darker side of him. Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025 Weirdest of all is the self-destructive way these trees grew. New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for self-destructive 

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-destructive was in 1641

Dictionary Entries Near self-destructive

Cite this Entry

“Self-destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-destructive. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

self-destructive

adjective
self-de·​struc·​tive -ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce self-destructive (audio)
: acting or tending to harm or destroy oneself
self-destructive behavior
also : suicidal
self-destructively adverb
self-destructiveness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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