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Sabotaged: meaning, definitions and examples

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sabotaged

 

[ ˈsæbəˌtɑːʒd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

deliberate harm

To sabotage something means to deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct it, particularly in a way that is secretive and deceitful. It can refer to actions aimed at undermining the efforts or operations of an individual or organization. The term is often employed in various contexts, including workplace settings, political struggles, and military actions. Sabotage can take many forms, including physical damage, misinformation, and even subterfuge. It reflects a motive to disrupt progress or hinder effectiveness.

Synonyms

disrupt, thwart, undermine, wreak havoc on

Examples of usage

  • The employees sabotaged the project out of resentment.
  • The rival team attempted to sabotage their competition.
  • Sabotaged equipment led to delays in production.

Translations

Translations of the word "sabotaged" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sabotado

🇮🇳 बिगाड़ा हुआ

🇩🇪 sabotiert

🇮🇩 disabotase

🇺🇦 зірвано

🇵🇱 sabotowany

🇯🇵 妨害された

🇫🇷 saboté

🇪🇸 saboteado

🇹🇷 sabotaj edilmiş

🇰🇷 방해된

🇸🇦 تعطيل

🇨🇿 sabotován

🇸🇰 sabotovaný

🇨🇳 破坏的

🇸🇮 sabotiran

🇮🇸 saboteraður

🇰🇿 бұзылған

🇬🇪 საბოტაჟი

🇦🇿 sabotaj edilmiş

🇲🇽 saboteado

Word origin

The term 'sabotage' originates from the French word 'sabot', which means 'wooden shoe.' In the early 20th century, the concept emerged during labor strikes in France when workers allegedly threw their wooden shoes into industrial machinery to disrupt operations. This action was interpreted as a protest against unfavorable working conditions and was a way for laborers to assert their discontent. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to include a broader range of actions aimed at hindering any type of effort or organization, particularly in political or military contexts. By the 1940s, 'sabotage' was recognized globally beyond its labor-related origins and became associated with various forms of resistance, espionage, and sabotage tactics employed in warfare and competitive industries.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,250, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.