self-destruct

verb

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *swé? Proto-Indo-European *selbʰ-der. Proto-Germanic *selbaz Old English self Old English self- Middle English self- English self- English destruct English self-destruct From self- + destruct.

1. 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.”

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.”