sabotage
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sabotage
The deliberate destruction, damage, or obstruction of facilities, processes, or plans, often for political, military, or economic motives.
Der Anschlag auf die Pipeline wurde als Akt der Sabotage eingestuft.
The attack on the pipeline was classified as an act of sabotage.
sabotage
In a figurative sense, an action that deliberately undermines the success of a plan, a relationship, or another person's efforts.
Seine ständigen negativen Kommentare waren reine Sabotage für die Moral des Teams.
His constant negative comments were pure sabotage for the team's morale.
'Sabotage' belongs to a word family. The related verb is 'sabotieren' (to sabotage), and the person who carries out the act is called 'der Saboteur' (the male saboteur) or 'die Saboteurin' (the female saboteur).
Jemand hat die Bremsen meines Fahrrads sabotiert.
Someone sabotaged the brakes on my bicycle.
To name the target of the sabotage, the preposition 'an' is often used, followed by the dative.
Die Ermittler gehen von Sabotage an der Stromleitung aus.
The investigators suspect sabotage of the power line.
In the literal meaning, 'Sabotage' (sabotage) is often combined with the verb 'verüben' (to commit/perpetrate). Another common phrase is 'ein Akt der Sabotage' (an act of sabotage).
Die Gruppe bekannte sich dazu, den Sabotageakt verübt zu haben.
The group admitted to having committed the act of sabotage.
In the figurative sense, 'Sabotage' (sabotage) describes actions that undermine the success of abstract things such as a project, team morale, or a relationship. The term 'Selbstsabotage' (self-sabotage) is also common in this context.
Mit seiner negativen Einstellung betrieb er Selbstsabotage.
With his negative attitude, he was engaging in self-sabotage.
attack / notice
When a facility is damaged, both Anschlag and Sabotage may fit. Anschlag emphasizes the violent attack and the intended destruction. Sabotage, by contrast, emphasizes that a facility, process, or plan is deliberately obstructed or put out of operation.
Die heimliche Beschädigung der Steuerung war Sabotage, die den Betrieb des Kraftwerks stoppen sollte.
The secret damage to the control system was sabotage intended to stop the power plant from operating.
Der Sprengsatz am Kraftwerk war Teil eines Anschlags, der große Zerstörung verursachen sollte.
The explosive device at the power plant was part of an attack intended to cause extensive destruction.
