self-sabotage

Or self sab·o·tage

[self-sab-uh-tahzh]

noun

1. the act or habit of behaving in a way that interferes directly with one’s own goals, well-being, relationships, etc., as by comfort eating, procrastination, or lashing out at others.

   If a line worker physically assaults a supervisor, that’s self-sabotage, as there’s every likelihood of dismissal followed by criminal prosecution.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to behave, especially habitually or compulsively, in a way that interferes directly with one’s own goals, well-being, relationships, etc..

   She’ll do OK for a while, and then all of a sudden she’ll self-sabotage by procrastinating and making excuses, and her dreams come to a screeching halt—again.

   Your husband is self-sabotaging the relationship with his gambling.

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-sabotage¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

“Since I’ve been in the league, you’ve heard the constant concern about officiating and it has now reached levels of inconsistency that plague our sport and undermine the integrity in which it operates. Whether the league cares about the health of the players is one thing, but to also not care about the product on the floor is truly self-sabotage.”

From Los Angeles Times

This self-sabotage by Republicans goes beyond the fight over proof of citizenship.

From Slate

The gruesome and abhorrent turn by Grok marks a new low, though—one that further highlights Musk’s sad tumble into conspiracy, racism, and self-sabotage.

From Slate

But now it’s worth contemplating a question whose answer once seemed as if it would never come: Are we finally watching the ultimate act of self-sabotage by Musk?

From Slate

Carmy Berzatto’s self-sabotage is the featured dish on “The Bear,” but the show’s real star is time.

From Salon