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)

sabotaged, sabotaging 

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 Word Forms

• unsabotaged 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

I wouldn’t sabotage myself for fear of failure.

Read more on Salon

The president employed American leverage to force Netanyahu, who has been accused of sabotaging earlier efforts for a deal, to engage with the negotiations.

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Since then, Western officials have accused Russia of carrying out a campaign of sabotage across Europe, including arson and undersea-cable cutting.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “disappointed” the case was dropped, but the government denies it purposefully sabotaged the trial to avoid a potentially embarrassing diplomatic incident.

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Officials have said harsh measures are necessary to prevent chaos and economic sabotage.

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Related Words

• cripple 
• destroy 
• disrupt 
• hamper 
• hinder 
• obstruct 
• subvert 
• torpedo 
• undermine 
• vandalize 
• wreck