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Saboteur Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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saboteur

[ˈsæbəˌtɜːr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

warfare

A person who commits sabotage, a deliberate action to damage or hinder an enemy's war effort.

Synonyms

destroyer, saboter, subversive.

Examples of usage

  • During the war, the saboteur blew up a key bridge to disrupt the enemy's supply lines.
  • The saboteur planted explosives in the factory to prevent the production of weapons.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A person who deliberately disrupts or damages something, such as an organization or a plan.

Synonyms

disrupter, mischief-maker, schemer, troublemaker.

Examples of usage

  • The saboteur leaked sensitive information to the press in order to derail the company's merger.
  • The saboteur hacked into the system and caused chaos within the organization.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • During WWII, underground resistance groups in occupied countries often employed sabotage to disrupt enemy operations.
  • The concept of sabotage has roots in labor movements, where workers would sabotage machinery as a form of protest against poor working conditions.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and books, saboteurs are often depicted as secret agents or spies, adding an element of drama and suspense.
  • The iconic video game series 'Assassin's Creed' incorporates elements of sabotage, where players disrupt historical events.

Psychology

  • Saboteur behaviors may be linked to feelings of powerlessness, where individuals exert control in destructive ways as a reaction to perceived threats.
  • In interpersonal dynamics, people sometimes engage in self-sabotage, undermining their own success due to fear of failure or insecurity.

Art & Literature

  • Many literary works explore themes of sabotage within interpersonal relationships, highlighting how trust and betrayal can affect human connections.
  • Artists have also used sabotage as a theme in their work, showcasing the impact of disruption on society and culture.

Origin of 'saboteur'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French 'saboter,' meaning 'to obstruct' or 'to interfere,' which relates to the wooden shoes worn by workers who protested.
  • The term became popular during World War I, when it was used to describe secretive actions taken to hinder enemy efforts.

The word 'saboteur' originated from the French word 'saboter', which means to walk noisily or to work carelessly. It was first used in the context of industrial action in the 19th century, where workers would deliberately slow down production or damage machinery as a form of protest or resistance against their employers. The term later evolved to refer to individuals who carry out acts of sabotage in various contexts, including warfare, espionage, and activism.

See also: sabotage, saboteuse.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,884, 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.