sabotage

[ sab-uh-tahzh, sab-uh-tahzh ]

noun

1. any underhand interference with production, work, etc., in a plant, factory, etc., as by enemy agents during wartime or by employees during a trade dispute.
2. any undermining of a cause.

verb (used with object)

, sab·o·taged, sab·o·tag·ing.

1. to injure or attack by sabotage.

   Synonyms: cripple, vandalize, disable

sabotage

/ ˈsæbəˌtɑːʒ /

noun

1. the deliberate destruction, disruption, or damage of equipment, a public service, etc, as by enemy agents, dissatisfied employees, etc
2. any similar action or behaviour

verb

1. tr to destroy, damage, or disrupt, esp by secret means

Other Words From

• un·sabo·taged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sabotage¹

First recorded in 1865–70; from French, from sabot(er) “to botch,” originally, “to harry, shake up, strike” (verb derivative of sabot sabot ) + -age -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of sabotage¹

C20: from French, from saboter to spoil through clumsiness (literally: to clatter in sabots)

Example Sentences

Germany’s defense minister on Tuesday called the severing of two fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea an act of sabotage aimed at European countries that are supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia.

From New York Times

European prosecutors and U.S. officials say that sabotage was carried out by Ukrainian operatives.

From New York Times

Damage to pipelines in the Baltic Sea has raised fears of sabotage in recent years.

From BBC

Lorna Slater said she had no choice but to delay the deposit return scheme, accusing Conservative ministers of sabotage.

From BBC

A series of parcel fires targeting courier companies in Poland, Germany and the UK were dry runs aimed at sabotaging flights to the US and Canada, Polish prosecutors say.

From BBC

Related Words

• destruction
• disruption
• subversion
• treachery
• treason
• vandalism