destruct

[ dih-struhkt ]

adjective

1. serving or designed to destroy:

   a destruct mechanism on a missile.

noun

1. the act or process of intentional destruction:

   One out of ten launchings ended in destructs.

verb (used with object)

1. to destroy.

verb (used without object)

1. to be destroyed.

destruct

/ dɪˈstrʌkt /

verb

1. to destroy (one's own missile or rocket) for safety
2. intr (of a missile or rocket) to be destroyed, for safety, by those controlling it; self-destruct

noun

1. the act of destructing

adjective

1. designed to be capable of destroying itself or the object, system, or installation containing it

   destruct mechanism

Word History and Origins

Origin of destruct¹

First recorded in 1630–40; back formation from destruction

Example Sentences

No doubt Arteta will self destruct at some point this season.

From BBC

“Because it is not possible to put the rocket into the planned orbit, we sent a destruct signal to the rocket,” minutes later at 10:51 a.m.

From Washington Post

“A destruct command has been transmitted to H3 because there was no possibility of achieving the mission,” the announcer said on the webcast.

From New York Times

China, like the US, is a "pretty smart adversary", and also probably planned for the aircraft to self destruct or scramble data as a part of the spy espionage mission, Dr Falco said.

From BBC

"This country could have self- destructed a long time ago, except for the fact that the people who have been denied that American dream for so long still believe in it enough."

From Salon