SELF-SABOTAGE Definition & Meaning

self-sabotage

Or self sab·o·tage

[self-sab-uh-tahzh]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the act or habit of behaving in a way that interferes directly with one’s own goals, well-being, relationships, etc., as by comfort eating, procrastination, or lashing out at others.
If a line worker physically assaults a supervisor, that’s self-sabotage, as there’s every likelihood of dismissal followed by criminal prosecution.

verb (used with or without object)

to behave, especially habitually or compulsively, in a way that interferes directly with one’s own goals, well-being, relationships, etc..
She’ll do OK for a while, and then all of a sudden she’ll self-sabotage by procrastinating and making excuses, and her dreams come to a screeching halt—again.
Your husband is self-sabotaging the relationship with his gambling.

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of self-sabotage¹

First recorded in 1930–35

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The gruesome and abhorrent turn by Grok marks a new low, though—one that further highlights Musk’s sad tumble into conspiracy, racism, and self-sabotage.

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But now it’s worth contemplating a question whose answer once seemed as if it would never come: Are we finally watching the ultimate act of self-sabotage by Musk?

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Carmy Berzatto’s self-sabotage is the featured dish on “The Bear,” but the show’s real star is time.

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At one point, the car offered to deflate its own tires, not an act of self-sabotage but a premium feature for off-roading in sand.

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His efforts to control his career and get recognition as Paul Reubens sometimes amounted to self-sabotage.

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self-rule self-sacrifice

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