verb / noun
destruct
dih-STRUKT/dɪstrˈʌkt/
Destroying something, especially through a built-in mechanism.
The robot destructs itself inside the empty, secure test enclosure.
Etymology
The roots express “un-building,” or tearing something down. The modern verb was probably formed from “destruction” in aerospace and defense usage for deliberately destroying a missile in flight, connecting it with controlled or self-destruction.
In context
he's going to self destruct. Plus, I'm worried for me,
More examples
- The test missile destructed before it reached the ground.
- The device destructs when its timer runs out.
- The controller sends a destruct command to the damaged missile.
Forms
destruct · destructs · destructed · destructing
destruction noun — The act of destroying something completely.
destructive adjective — Causing serious damage or complete destruction.
Similar words
- destroy
- The general verb, without implying any built-in destruction mechanism.
- self-destruct
- Specifically means to destroy oneself or itself, not another object.