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

The campaign was further disadvantaged by a ruthless effort from Gov. Ron DeSantis to sabotage the proposed amendment.

From Slate

Kamala Harris Why: Trump seemed like a shoo-in, but he’s doing everything he can to sabotage himself.

From Slate

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

From BBC

Russia denies being behind acts of sabotage.

From BBC

Ken McCallum, head of the UK's domestic intelligence agency MI5, said last month that Russian secret agents had carried out "arson, sabotage and more dangerous actions conducted with increasing recklessness" after the UK had helped Ukraine in Russia's war.

From BBC

Related Words

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