the deliberate destruction of a malfunctioning missile, rocket, etc. after its launch
Origin:
back-form. < destruction
intransitive verb
to be automatically destroyed
transitive verb
to destroy (a rocket, etc.) deliberately by remote control
See destruct in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
The intentional, usually remote-controlled destruction of a space vehicle, rocket, or missile after launching, as for defective performance or reasons of safety.