First Known Use: 1910
Dictionary
1sabotage
noun sab·o·tage \ˈsa-bə-ˌtäzh\
: the act of destroying or damaging something deliberately so that it does not work correctly
Full Definition of SABOTAGE
1
: destruction of an employer's property (as tools or materials) or the hindering of manufacturing by discontented workers
2
: destructive or obstructive action carried on by a civilian or enemy agent to hinder a nation's war effort
3
a : an act or process tending to hamper or hurt b : deliberate subversion
See sabotage defined for English-language learners
See sabotage defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SABOTAGE
French, from saboter to clatter with sabots, botch, sabotage, from sabot
Other Business Terms
Rhymes with SABOTAGE
2sabotage
transitive verb
: to destroy or damage (something) deliberately so that it does not work correctly
: to cause the failure of (something) deliberately
sabotagedsabotag·ing
Full Definition of SABOTAGE
: to practice sabotage on
First Known Use of SABOTAGE
1913
Other Business Terms
SABOTAGE Defined for Kids
1sabotage
noun sab·o·tage \ˈsa-bə-ˌtäzh\
Definition of SABOTAGE for Kids
: deliberate destruction of or damage to property <Angry workers used sabotage to disable the factory's machinery.>
2sabotage
verb
sab·o·tagedsab·o·tag·ing
Definition of SABOTAGE for Kids
: to damage or destroy on purpose : to engage in sabotage <The country's water supply was sabotaged by the retreating enemy.>
Learn More About SABOTAGE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up sabotage? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).