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.
But the actor never found an equal role, partly because his talent was married to a deep self-destructive streak. — Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 Ironically, in what several key movie-making legends have decried and lamented as a self-destructive move, Hollywood has been training the audience not to head out to theaters, but instead to wait patiently at home. — Adam Aron, Variety, 29 July 2026 Also, the way that competitive streak may, in some ways, fuel his self-destructive, hellbent style on the field. — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026 This is a wickedly precise rendering of a young, self-destructive heroine worshiping at the altar of a false idol—and narrated in hindsight, from her later, more perspicacious vantage. — Literary Hub, 16 July 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

Rhymes for self-destructive

See All Rhymes for self-destructive

Browse Nearby Words

self-destruction
self-destructive
self-determination
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-destructive. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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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