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

In recent months intelligence officials have warned of increasing Russian sabotage operations against Western countries supporting Ukraine.

From BBC

State news agencies reported the country's FSB security service accuse the diplomat - whose photo was shown on TV bulletins - of providing false information on his documents and carrying out espionage and sabotage activities.

From BBC

There is also is a realisation that the threat from Russia is here to stay - whether in Ukraine or attempted sabotage in our streets.

From BBC

That means that everything that sabotaged us this time and has held us back for so long, we can fix.

From Salon

Tumors sabotage the process that the body's healthy cells use to avoid immune recognition and subsequent attack, allowing cancer to hide from the immune system.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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