What is saboteur? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of saboteur in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of saboteur

saboteurnoun

kẻ phá hoại

/ˌsæbəˈtɜː(r)//ˌsæbəˈtɜːr/

Where does the word saboteur come from?

The word "saboteur" originates from the French language. In World War I, French workers in the factories producing war materials, particularly in the textiles and munitions industries, began intentionally damaging or destroying the equipment and products to disrupt the war effort. These actions were referred to as "saboter," which means "to break or destroy." The term referred to the practice of harming or obstructing the enemy's production capacity by creating chaos and disrupting the supply chain. The term was later adopted in English to describe those who engage in similar activities to hinder or disrupt an opponent's plans or operations. The term has since expanded to include any individual or group that intentionally damages or disrupts the normal functioning of an organization, facility, or system.

Vocabulary summary saboteur

typenoun

meaningsaboteur, saboteur

Example of vocabulary saboteurnamespace

  • The intelligence agency suspected a saboteur was responsible for the explosive device found in the power plant.
  • The military mission was compromised by a saboteur who infiltrated their ranks.
  • The CEO accused a saboteur of stealing sensitive information from the company's computer system.
  • The rebel group claimed responsibility for the sabotage of the railway line, saying it was a necessary tactic in their fight for freedom.
  • The government condemned the actions of the saboteurs who had disrupted the peaceful protest.

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