self-destructive

[ self-di-struhk-tiv, self- ]

adjective

1. harmful, injurious, or destructive to oneself:

   His constant arguing with the boss shows he's a self-destructive person.

2. reflecting or exhibiting suicidal desires or drives:

   Careless driving may be a self-destructive tendency.

Other Words From

• self-de·structive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-destructive¹

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

In addition to depressive symptoms, paranoid thoughts and unusual thought content were also associated with self-destructive thinking.

From Science Daily

Manchester City’s position is that Mr Mendy largely brought his troubles upon himself and ignored sensible advice and warning after warning in his self-destructive pursuit of his chosen lifestyle.

From BBC

Meanwhile, “St. Jimmy,” with his chaotic and self-destructive tendencies, embodies a darker side of rebellion.

From Salon

A maddening combination of good intentions and self-destructive tendencies — accommodating sensitivity and unforgivable pettiness — Vicente has a sharp mind for math, physics and astronomy that he loves sharing with his daughters.

From Los Angeles Times

“He’s very wildly colored and also sort of self-destructive in a way because they eat their partners if they don’t like the dance that they’re doing.”

From Los Angeles Times