Definition

An act of deliberately damaging or obstructing something, especially to hinder a cause or effort.

Example

The workers were accused of sabotage after they damaged the machinery.

Conversation

Did you hear about the recent sabotage at the factory?

Yeah, it’s crazy how some people would go that far.

I can’t believe someone would actually want to sabotage their own workplace.

It really makes you wonder about their motives.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To deliberately damage or destroy something to prevent it from working properly, often for political or military reasons.

Example

The workers decided to sabotage the machinery to protest against unfair treatment.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the plan to sabotage the event next week?

Yeah, I can't believe someone would do that!

It's really disappointing; they must have some serious issues.

Root Explanation

Sabotage comes from the French word 'sabot', meaning a wooden shoe or clog. The term originally referred to the act of workers throwing their wooden shoes into machinery to disrupt production. Thus, 'sabotage' means to deliberately destroy or damage something, especially in a workplace context.

Memory Tip

Imagine workers using their wooden shoes ('sabot') to disrupt machinery — that's how sabotage means to intentionally damage or disrupt something.

Visually Confused Words