verb

destruct

dih-STRUHKT

Destruct (verb) means to destroy something deliberately, especially as part of a built-in mechanism. Example: “The rocket was ordered to destruct after veering off course.”

verb

To destroy something deliberately, especially as part of a built-in mechanism.

"The rocket was ordered to destruct after veering off course."

How to use destruct

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo deliberately trigger destruction, often of a device or system.

Common pairings

self-destruct destruct sequence

Word forms

destructed past tense, destructs singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The rocket was ordered to _____ after veering off course.

Etymology

A back-formation from "destruction" — the noun came first, and "destruct" was created from it.

Synonyms

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destroy

Related words

kill create build destroy construct wreck nurture demolish

Frequently asked questions

What does “destruct” mean?

The word “destruct” means to destroy something deliberately, especially as part of a built-in mechanism. In plain terms, to deliberately trigger destruction, often of a device or system.

How do you pronounce “destruct”?

“Destruct” is pronounced dih-STRUHKT (/dɪˈstɹʌkt/ in IPA).

How do you use “destruct” in a sentence?

Here is “destruct” used in a sentence: “The rocket was ordered to destruct after veering off course.”

What part of speech is “destruct”?

“Destruct” is a verb.

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