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sabotage

verb

/ˈsæb əˌtɑʒ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of sabotage

To deliberately cause damage, disruption, or interference with a particular goal or objective, often for malicious or clandestine purposes.
"The hackers managed to sabotage the organization's computer system."

Detailed meaning of sabotage

This can involve a range of actions, including physical damage to property or resources, theft or destruction of materials, and the manipulation or subversion of processes or systems from within. Sabotage can be carried out by individuals or groups seeking to achieve a particular agenda, such as political or ideological goals, or as part of espionage or military operations. It can have serious consequences for individuals and organizations affected by it, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and even physical harm. Overall, the verb 'sabotage' implies a deliberate and often surreptitious attempt to interfere with or undermine the achievement of a particular goal or objective, often for personal or ideological reasons.

Example sentences containing sabotage

1. The spy attempted to sabotage the enemy's communication network.
2. They conspired to sabotage their rival's chances of success.
3. The disgruntled employee sought to sabotage the company's project.
4. The cybercriminals tried to sabotage the company's data systems.
5. He was accused of trying to sabotage the election process.
6. The moles within the organization tried to sabotage its mission.

History and etymology of sabotage

The verb 'sabotage' has an interesting etymological origin connected to the world of work and industry. It traces back to the French word 'saboter,' which referred to workers in the 19th century intentionally damaging machinery or sabotaging workplace operations as a form of protest or resistance against industrialization and automation. The term 'saboter' itself is believed to be related to 'sabot,' the French word for a wooden shoe or clog. Workers would supposedly use their wooden clogs to damage machinery by kicking or jamming them, hence the association with sabotage. Over time, the meaning of 'sabotage' broadened to include any deliberate act aimed at causing damage, disruption, or interference with a particular goal or objective, often for malicious or clandestine purposes. The etymology of 'sabotage' thus reflects its historical roots in labor disputes and the symbolic use of wooden clogs as tools of resistance.

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Further usage examples of sabotage

1. The environmental activists didn't want to sabotage progress; they sought change.
2. The competitor aimed to sabotage the product launch.
3. The virus was designed to sabotage the computer's operating system.
4. Sabotaging the evidence was a desperate attempt to avoid arrest.
5. The group plotted to sabotage the government's policies.
6. They tried to sabotage the construction project by stealing equipment.
7. She discovered a plan to sabotage her chances of promotion.
8. The vandals attempted to sabotage the art exhibit.
9. The disgruntled workers planned to sabotage production.
10. Sabotaging the opponent's campaign was seen as unethical.
11. They used guerrilla tactics to sabotage the enemy's supply lines.
12. The hackers aimed to sabotage the critical infrastructure.
13. The protestors didn't want to sabotage the event but to raise awareness.
14. The traitor within the organization sought to sabotage its operations.
15. The disgruntled employee attempted to sabotage the company's new product launch.
16. The rebels plotted to sabotage the government's military operations.
17. The athlete was accused of trying to sabotage his opponent's performance before the game.
18. The construction project was delayed due to a suspected act of sabotage.
19. The enemy forces attempted to sabotage the supply lines of the opposing army.
20. The activists threatened to sabotage the oil drilling operation.
21. The protestors tried to sabotage the politician's speech by disrupting the event.
22. The students were caught trying to sabotage the exam results.
23. The vandals managed to sabotage the public transportation system.
24. The thieves planned to sabotage the bank's security system before the robbery.
25. The rival company was suspected of trying to sabotage the merger deal.