# scuttle

/ˈskətəɫ/ (US) · /skˈʌtəl/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scuttle
Updated: 2026-10-17

## Definition

to sink a ship on purpose by cutting holes in it. It can also mean to run with quick, short steps like a crab or a small animal.

For teachers: to deliberately sink a vessel by opening its hull or opening seacocks; by extension, to thwart or cause a plan to fail. Also describes moving with short, rapid steps.

## Examples

- The captain decided to scuttle the ship to prevent its capture.
- The crew had to scuttle the damaged vessel before the enemy fleet could reach the harbour.
- Leaked documents threatened to scuttle the delicate peace negotiations just as both parties were nearing a final agreement on the border dispute.

## Usage notes

- In its nautical sense, the verb is transitive; in its sense of movement, it is typically intransitive.

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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.