sabotage

[ sab-uh-tahzh, sab-uh-tahzh ]
/ ˈsæb əˌtɑʒ, ˌsæb əˈtɑʒ /

noun

any underhand interference with production, work, etc., in a plant, factory, etc., as by enemy agents during wartime or by employees during a trade dispute.
any undermining of a cause.

verb (used with object), sab·o·taged, sab·o·tag·ing.

to injure or attack by sabotage.

Origin of sabotage

1865–70; < French, equivalent to sabot(er) to botch, orig., to strike, shake up, harry, derivative of sabot sabot + -age -age

OTHER WORDS FROM sabotage

un·sab·o·taged, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for sabotage

British Dictionary definitions for sabotage

sabotage
/ (ˈsæbəˌtɑːʒ) /

noun

the deliberate destruction, disruption, or damage of equipment, a public service, etc, as by enemy agents, dissatisfied employees, etc
any similar action or behaviour

verb

(tr) to destroy, damage, or disrupt, esp by secret means

Word Origin for sabotage

C20: from French, from saboter to spoil through clumsiness (literally: to clatter in sabots)