Sabotage
easyNegative toneSAB-uh-tahzh
verb
Definition
To deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct something
Memory hook
SABOT-age: French workers threw wooden SHOES (sabots) into machines to wreck them.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Someone tried to sabotage the project by deleting important files.”
“Negative attitudes can sabotage team morale.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Someone tried to ______ the project by deleting important files.”
Show answer
sabotage
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Sabotage is a easy-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "undermine" or "subvert" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "support".
Related GRE Words
impair
to weaken or damage, especially in function
sap
(verb) To gradually weaken or destroy; to drain of energy
subvert
To undermine the power and authority of an established system or institution
undermine
To weaken or damage something, especially gradually or insidiously
veto
To reject or forbid authoritatively
vitiate
To spoil or impair the quality or efficiency of; to corrupt
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