self-destructs
Automatically obliterates itself
Self-destructs means destroys itself, whether deliberately or through built-in mechanisms.
A spy's message might self-destruct after being read.
Software can self-destruct after a trial period expires.
The term often appears in contexts of designed obsolescence or automatic deletion: This message will self-destruct in ten seconds.
Figuratively, a person or organization self-destructs by bringing about their own ruin through poor choices: The campaign self-destructed after the scandal.
Duration-tracking mechanism
- triggerWhat initiates action
- detonationExplosive ignition event
- explosionViolent burst of energy
- implosionViolent collapse inward
countdown · failsafe · sequence · activation · device · charge · fuse · protocol
Process of breaking apart
- annihilationUtter, complete destruction
- demolitionDeliberate structural destruction
- obliterationTotal destruction or erasure
- implosionViolent collapse inward
collapse · shattering · fragmentation · vaporization · incineration · meltdown · combustion · rupture
Weaken by stealth
- betrayalBreaking of trust
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- subversionUndermining established authority
- tamperingImproper interference with something
treachery · espionage · infiltration · wrecking · destabilization · saboteur · mole · covert
timer
Duration-tracking mechanism
- triggerWhat initiates action
- detonationExplosive ignition event
- explosionViolent burst of energy
implosion · countdown · failsafe · sequence · activation · device · charge · fuse · protocol · switch
disintegration
Process of breaking apart
- annihilationUtter, complete destruction
- demolitionDeliberate structural destruction
- obliterationTotal destruction or erasure
implosion · collapse · shattering · fragmentation · vaporization · incineration · meltdown · combustion · rupture · catastrophic
undermine
Weaken by stealth
- betrayalBreaking of trust
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- subversionUndermining established authority
tampering · treachery · espionage · infiltration · wrecking · destabilization · saboteur · mole · covert · deliberate
reckless
Carelessly ignoring danger
- spiralCurve winding around center
- burnoutChronic occupational depletion
- relapseReturn to former illness
addiction · impulsive · toxic · meltdown · breakdown · unraveling · downfall · ruinous · compulsive
self-destructssurvives
Remains alive despite hardship
endures · persists · holds together · keeps going · carries on
self-destructsthrives
Succeeds and grows
flourishes · prospers · grows · self-actualizes · strengthens
self, destructs, destruct, selves, selfhood, selfless, selflessly, selflessness, selfish