What does sabotage mean?
Sabotage refers to the deliberate damaging, destruction, or obstruction of an activity, organization, machine, or plan. As a noun, it names the destructive act itself, as in "an act of sabotage." As a verb, it describes the action of interfering with or ruining something, as in "to sabotage an attempt." The word implies purposeful and usually wrongful behavior, distinguishing it from accidental damage or ordinary opposition. It is commonly associated with warfare, terrorism, industrial action, political conflict, and interference with infrastructure, but it can apply on a smaller scale, such as undermining a project or obstructing a meeting. Because sabotage emphasizes deliberate interference rather than merely poor performance or criticism, it often conveys a sense of malice, disorder, and serious obstruction. Its French-derived history reflects the word’s development from a verb associated with sabotaging footwear into a broad term for intentional disruption.
Deliberate damage, destruction, or obstruction intended to undermine an activity, organization, or effort.
"The authorities suspected sabotage after the power station was damaged."
Usually refers to an intentional act intended to cause damage or disruption.
To deliberately damage, destroy, or obstruct an activity, organization, or effort.
"A group was accused of attempting to sabotage the project."
The verb implies deliberate interference, usually with harmful or disruptive intent.
The plural is used when referring to separate acts of sabotage.
"The government attributed the attacks to coordinated sabotages."
The word comes from French saboter, meaning to make clumsy wooden shoes, but sabotage soon acquired its modern sense of deliberate destruction and obstruction.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sabotage come from?
Sabotage entered English from French sabotage in the 19th century, a noun formed from saboter, "to make into or use sabots," or "to work clumsily." The deeper origin of sabot is traditionally associated with French for a rough wooden shoe, though the precise historical path is not entirely straightforward. In English, the word soon developed from its early sense of clumsy interference into the modern meaning of deliberate destruction or obstruction. Saboteur, meaning someone who carries out sabotage, is a closely related French-derived form.
Related word forms
How sabotage is actually used
The term generally carries a strongly negative and often political or conflict-related connotation. It is more formal than everyday words such as "damage" or "undermine" and can be used for acts ranging from interference with equipment to large-scale attacks or disruption.
Easily confused with sabotage
Sabotage is an act of deliberate destruction or obstruction, whereas a sabot is a shoe, often a heavy wooden shoe used as footwear.
Sabotage is the destructive act itself, whereas a saboteur is the person who carries it out.