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Sabotaged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sabotaged

[ˈsæbəˌtɑːʒd ]

Definition

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

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • During World War I, sabotage was used as a tactic by resistance movements against occupying forces.
  • In the labor movement, workers sometimes sabotaged machinery as a protest against poor working conditions.

Psychology

  • Some psychological theories suggest that self-sabotage can occur when individuals undermine their own success due to anxiety or fear of failure.
  • People may sabotage their own efforts unconsciously as a way to avoid taking risks or to confirm negative beliefs about themselves.

Pop Culture

  • In literature and films, characters often sabotage plans, leading to dramatic twists, such as in movies like 'Mission: Impossible'.
  • The term has appeared in various music songs, signifying rebellion or betrayal, such as the song 'Sabotage' by the Beastie Boys.

Impact

  • Sabotage can have wide-reaching effects, impacting not only individual projects but entire industries or movements.
  • In modern organizations, internal sabotage can lead to loss of trust and collaboration among team members.

Origin of 'sabotaged'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French term 'sabot,' meaning a wooden shoe; it relates to a story where workers would throw their shoes into machinery to stop them.
  • The use of the term in English dates back to the late 19th century, reflecting industrial tensions.

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.