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.
This second season is once again poking at inertia and stasis and how romantic relationships can crumble into a series of self-destructive choices. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026 There aren’t any magic words that will dissuade someone from pursuing a self-destructive path, and there’s no telling whose words mattered most to Robby today, tomorrow, or whenever the darkness overwhelms him. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026 How does an economy fall into such a self-destructive cycle? Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 2026 Save the 45-year-old Tallman, the guys are all in their 50s, but their characters are still plenty destructive — especially self-destructive. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Self-destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/self-destructive. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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
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