sabotage
/ˈsæ.bə.tɑʒ/
NOUN
1. Deliberate action to weaken or undermine an enemy
A deliberate action intended to weaken an enemy through subversion, obstruction, disruption, or destruction.
1.1. Subversive action and interference
Deliberate acts intended to undermine an opponent, disrupt their activities, or prevent their plans from succeeding.
Synonyms
- subversion
- undermining
- disruption
- interference
- obstruction
- thwarting
Antonyms
- support
- assistance
- aid
Examples
- Accusations of political sabotage arose during the tense election season.
- The peace talks were jeopardized by rumors of an impending sabotage attempt.
Related Words
- subterfuge
- treachery
- deception
- conspiracy
- intrigue
1.2. Deliberate damage and destruction
Intentional acts that damage, disable, or destroy property, equipment, or systems to weaken an opposing party.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- preservation
- conservation
- protection
Examples
- The spy was caught attempting to sabotage the enemy's communication system.
- The factory manager discovered signs of deliberate sabotage on the production line.
Related Words
- demolition
- defacement
- destruction
- property damage
- wreckage
NOUN
2. Intentional interference with national defense
An act or acts intended to injure, interfere with, or obstruct a country's national defense by deliberately damaging or attempting to damage defense materials, facilities, utilities, or resources.
2.1. Damage to defense infrastructure and resources
Deliberate acts that impair or destroy military equipment, defense facilities, utilities, or other resources essential to national defense.
Synonyms
- destruction
- damage
- impairment
- disruption
- vandalism
Antonyms
- protection
- preservation
- conservation
Examples
- Authorities investigated the sabotage of critical defense infrastructure.
- The attempted sabotage of military equipment threatened national security.
Related Words
- espionage
- treason
- subversion
- military security
- national security
VERB
3. To deliberately damage or destroy something to prevent success
To intentionally damage, disrupt, or undermine something so that it cannot function properly or achieve its intended purpose.
3.1. Damaging or destroying equipment and systems
To deliberately damage, disable, or destroy equipment, machinery, property, or systems.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- repair
- fix
- preserve
- protect
- strengthen
Examples
- The spy attempted to sabotage the enemy's communication system.
- Someone had deliberately sabotaged the production machinery.
Related Words
3.2. Hindering or undermining progress and success
To deliberately obstruct, disrupt, or undermine a plan, process, effort, or person's chances of succeeding.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- assist
- help
- support
- facilitate
- advance
- promote
Examples
- His constant criticism was an attempt to sabotage the team's efforts.
- Poor communication can sabotage an otherwise successful project.
Related Words
- subversion
- interference
- obstruction
- setback
- hindrance