What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sabotage
Example
The spy was caught trying to sabotage the enemy's weapons. [sabotage: verb]
Example
The company's profits were sabotaged by a competitor's false advertising. [sabotaged: past tense]
disrupt
Example
The construction noise disrupted my concentration while I was working. [disrupted: past tense]
Example
The protest disrupted the city's traffic flow. [disrupt: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disrupt is more commonly used than sabotage in everyday language. Disrupt is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as business, technology, or social movements. Sabotage, on the other hand, is less common and is often associated with espionage or criminal activities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sabotage and disrupt?
Both sabotage and disrupt can be used in formal and informal contexts, but sabotage may be perceived as more formal due to its association with legal or military terminology.