Sabotaging Meaning and Definition
Sabotaging
Pronunciation
/sæbˈtoʊteɪɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun or Verb
Definition
The deliberate and secretive act of causing harm, failure, or delay to someone or something, often for personal or political gain.
Examples
- The company’s rival was accused of sabotaging their new product launch.
- The athlete’s coach was suspected of sabotaging his training regimen.
Synonyms
- Undermining
- Disrupting
- Subverting
Antonyms
- Supporting
- Assisting
- Upholding
Etymology
The word “sabotaging” originates from the French word “sabot,” meaning “wooden shoe,” which was used in the context of industrial action by workers removing their wooden shoes to damage machinery during strikes.
Usage Notes
Sabotaging can be used in both a literal and figurative sense, with individuals or groups intentionally causing harm or disruption to achieve a desired outcome.
Cultural References
Sabotaging has been referenced in popular culture, including in movies, TV shows, and literature, often depicting characters engaging in secretive and deceitful acts.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Sabotaging is often paired with words like “backstabbing,” “undermining,” or “disrupting” to convey a sense of betrayal or intentional harm.
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to sabotaging include “treachery,” “betrayal,” “subterfuge,” and “deception.”
Collocations
Sabotaging is often collocated with words like “plan,” “project,” “effort,” or “operation” to describe a specific action or activity being intentionally disrupted or destroyed.
Frequency of Use
Sabotaging is a relatively infrequent word in modern language, often used in specific contexts or industries where intentional disruption or harm is a concern.
Common Misspellings
The most common misspellings of sabotaging include “sabotageing” and “sabotagin.”