Sabot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ž
Add to dictionary

sabot

[หˆsรฆbษ™สŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

footwear

A shoe with a wooden sole and a leather upper, typically worn in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Synonyms

clog, galosh, wooden shoe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sabot

A wooden shoe traditionally worn by European peasants, especially in France and the Netherlands.

  • During the festival, many people wore traditional clothing, including sabots
  • In certain parts of France, sabots are still used during folk dances
clog

A type of footwear made entirely or partially of wood, often used for dancing or by workers in factories.

  • She bought a new pair of clogs for her clogging class
  • Factory workers in the 19th century often wore clogs to protect their feet
wooden shoe

A general term for any type of footwear made primarily of wood, often synonymous with clogs or sabots.

  • At the museum, we saw a variety of traditional wooden shoes on display
  • Wooden shoes were commonly worn in many European countries in the past
galosh

A waterproof overshoe typically made of rubber, designed to be worn over regular shoes to protect them from rain and snow.

  • He put on his galoshes before heading out into the rain
  • In the winter, it's common to see people wearing galoshes to keep their feet dry

Examples of usage

  • Her sabots clicked on the cobblestone street.
  • The workers wore sabots in the factory.
Context #2 | Noun

mechanical device

A device or piece of machinery designed to disrupt or damage equipment, typically in a covert or subversive manner.

Synonyms

sabotage, saboteur, undermine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sabot

A sabot is a type of wooden shoe worn by peasants or a device used in firearms to ensure a proper fit of a projectile in the barrel. It's most commonly used in military or hunting contexts.

  • The peasant wore a simple sabot while working in the fields.
  • The hunter used a sabot to fire the projectile with greater accuracy.
saboteur

A saboteur is a person who engages in sabotage, often working covertly to disrupt or destroy operations or activities. This term is used in contexts involving espionage, labor strikes, and political movements.

  • The saboteur was caught planting a bomb in the office building.
  • During the war, saboteurs played a crucial role in undermining enemy supply lines.
sabotage

Sabotage refers to the act of deliberately damaging or disrupting something, often to hinder an enemy or competitor. This term is used in both personal and professional settings, especially when discussing acts of malicious interference.

  • The workers decided to sabotage the factory equipment to protest against the poor working conditions.
  • The spy was arrested for attempting to sabotage the governmentโ€™s communication systems.
undermine

To undermine means to weaken or damage something or someone, often in a gradual or sneaky way. It is used in various contexts, such as personal relationships, business, and politics, often with a negative connotation.

  • His constant criticism started to undermine her confidence.
  • The managerโ€™s refusal to support his team undermined their trust in him.

Examples of usage

  • The saboteur planted a sabot in the engine room.
  • The spy used a sabot to disable the communication system.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In French culture, farmers and workers wore sabots as they were durable for working outdoors.
  • During the industrial revolution, sabotaging machinery became a form of workers' protest against poor working conditions and unfair pay.
  • The image of a sabot is sometimes used in cartography to symbolize rural or agrarian areas.

Historical Context

  • The use of sabots in protests was most prominent during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in France.
  • Workers would often intentionally throw their sabots into machinery to halt production, thus highlighting their grievances.
  • Sabotage tactics spread beyond France, becoming recognized methods in labor movements worldwide.

Modern Adaptations

  • Today, the term 'sabot' can refer to a type of projectile used in guns, shaped like the wooden shoe, facilitating better aerodynamics.
  • Fashion trends have seen a revival of wooden shoes, including modern interpretations of sabots.
  • The concept of sabotage is still relevant in labor discussions and is viewed as a tactic in various protests globally.

Literature and Arts

  • Sabots have been depicted in various works of art representing the struggles of the working class.
  • In novels set during the industrial revolution, sabots often symbolize the clash between workers and industrialists.
  • Art movements using the symbol of the sabot have highlighted themes of protest, identity, and resistance.

Origin of 'sabot'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sabot' comes from the French word for 'shoe' and reflects the shape of the wooden footwear.
  • First recorded use of the term dates back to the early 19th century, symbolizing both footwear and a form of protest.
  • In English, 'sabotage' evolved from 'sabot', implying the act of destroying or harming something as a way to protest.

The word 'sabot' originated from French, where it referred to a wooden shoe. During the Industrial Revolution, workers would throw their wooden clogs, known as sabots, into the machinery to protest or sabotage production. This act of sabotage gave rise to the term 'sabotage' in English, meaning deliberate damage or disruption. Over time, 'sabot' has come to refer to both the wooden shoe and the act of sabotage.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,703, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.