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“Sabotage” can be used in a figurative sense that doesn’t insinuate intent. An adjacent example is “self-sabotage”, which doesn’t imply intent.
by layer8 1y ago
“Sabotage” can be used in a figurative sense that doesn’t insinuate intent. An adjacent example is “self-sabotage”, which doesn’t imply intent.
- jfindper 1y agoEvery dictionary I've looked at, wikipedia, etc. all immediately and prominently highlight the intent part. It really seems like the defining characteristic of "sabotage" vs. other similar verbs. But, language is weird, so, ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
- layer8 1y agoSince the sibling comment is dead and thus I can’t reply to it: Search for “unintentional sabotage”, which should illustrate the usage. Despite appearances, it isn’t an oxymoron. See also meaning 3a on https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sabotage https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sabotage.