# sabotage

/ˈsæbəˌtɑʒ/ (US) · /sˈæbətˌɑːʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sabotage
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. deliberate damage or disruption

noun · CEFR B2

the act of damaging equipment or ruining a plan on purpose so that it fails.

For teachers: the deliberate act of subverting, obstructing, or destroying something to prevent its success.

- The factory had to close for two days because of the sabotage of the main machines.
- The investigation revealed that the system failure was not a technical glitch but a calculated act of industrial sabotage by a rival firm.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general concept.

### 2. to ruin something on purpose

verb · CEFR B2

to damage something or stop a process on purpose so it does not work.

For teachers: to deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct something, especially for political or military advantage.

- He tried to sabotage my presentation by hiding my notes before the meeting.
- The rebels attempted to sabotage the supply lines to prevent the army from receiving fresh equipment during the winter months.

Usage: A transitive verb that always requires a direct object.

## Examples

- The factory fire was a clear act of sabotage.
- The investigation revealed that the software crash was not an accident but deliberate sabotage by a former employee.
- Historians argue that the resistance movement's consistent sabotage of the railway lines was more effective at demoralising the occupying forces than any direct confrontation in the field.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.