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Self-destruct for Dummies

verb

pronunciation: ,sɛlfdɪ'strəkt

What does Self-destruct really mean?

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Self-destruct is a term we use to describe an action or process where something deliberately destroys itself. "Self" means "by itself" or "on its own," and "destruct" means "to destroy." So when something self-destructs, it is destroying itself without any external help. Imagine if you had a magic eraser that could erase itself just by touching another object. That would be a bit like self-destructing.

Now, let's explore this concept a little further. Have you ever seen a building being demolished? It's a fascinating process. Engineers carefully plan the destruction so that the building collapses safely and doesn't harm anything nearby. However, imagine if the building could instead destroy itself without any planned explosions or help from machinery. That's what happens when something self-destructs.

Self-destruct can apply to different things, not just physical objects like buildings. Even in our bodies, there are processes that can be described as self-destructive. For example, when our immune system mistakenly attacks our own healthy cells, it can cause health problems. It's like our immune system is fighting against our body's own well-being.

Another way to think about self-destruction is in relation to technology. Have you ever watched a spy movie where a secret message or device self-destructs after it has been read or used? It's like the message or device has a built-in mechanism to destroy itself, ensuring that no one else can get their hands on the important information it contains.

In everyday life, we sometimes use the term self-destruct to talk about people or behaviors. Have you ever witnessed someone making bad choices repeatedly, even though they know it's harmful to themselves? It's as if they have a self-destruct button that they keep pressing, causing damage to their own well-being or relationships.

So, when we talk about self-destruct, we mean that something is deliberately and automatically destroying itself without any external influence. It can apply to physical objects, biological processes, technology, and even human behavior.

Revised and Fact checked by Jack Taylor on 2023-10-30 02:28:43

Self-destruct In a sentece

Learn how to use Self-destruct inside a sentece

  • When you press the self-destruct button on a toy robot, it breaks into pieces and can't be put back together.
  • Sometimes, when people are very angry, they may say things that can self-destruct their friendships.
  • Leaving a glass filled with water in the freezer for too long can cause it to self-destruct and crack.
  • If you keep pulling at the threads of a loose seam on your shirt, it may self-destruct and come apart.
  • A plant that is not watered regularly can self-destruct and wither away.

Self-destruct Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Self-destruct Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.