auto-destruct1
/ˌɔːtə(ʊ)dɪˈstrʌkt/noun
The state or process of self-destruction; a function, setting, etc., which brings this about. Chiefly figurative.
Origin
1960s; earliest use found in The New York Magazine. From auto- + destruct, after auto-destruction, auto-destructive.
auto-destruct2
/ˌɔːtə(ʊ)dɪˈstrʌkt/verb
[no object] Of a thing: to destroy itself automatically, especially when preset to do so; = self-destruct.
Origin
1970s; earliest use found in New Leader. From auto- + destruct.