saboteur
Undermines from within
A saboteur is someone who commits sabotage—deliberately destroying, damaging, or obstructing something.
The term often applies to wartime operatives who disable enemy infrastructure: Saboteurs blew up the railway bridge.
More broadly, it describes anyone who undermines an effort from within: Critics called him a saboteur of the peace process.
Covert information gatherer
- infiltratorOne who enters covertly
- moleSubterranean insectivore
- agentOne who acts independently
- operativeCovert field agent
undercover · covert · clandestine · intelligence · counterintelligence · sleeper · surveillance · reconnaissance
Storyline or land parcel
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
cloak-and-dagger · conspirator · co-conspirator · mastermind · ringleader · cell · cabal · underground
One who betrays allegiance
- turncoatOne who betrays allegiance
- defectorOne who abandons allegiance
- collaboratorOne who works jointly
- informantOne who provides intelligence
quisling · betrayer · renegade · rat · sellout · Judas · treacherous · perfidious
Willful property damage
- defacementDamaging an appearance
- graffitiIllegal surface markings
- damageHarm or impairment
- destructionAct of completely ruining
tampering · wrecking · arson · cutting · slashing · contamination · tagging · desecration
Deliberate structural destruction
- wreckingDestroying completely
- explosiveProne to sudden detonation
- dynamitePowerful blasting compound
- detonationExplosive ignition event
dismantling · disabling · incendiary · scuttling · torpedo · decommission · impairment · disablement
Forceful interruption of process
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- obstructionSomething blocking the way
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- chaosComplete disorder and confusion
disorder · destabilization · malfunction · breakdown · interruption · complication · impediment · derailment
spy
Covert information gatherer
- infiltratorOne who enters covertly
- moleSubterranean insectivore
- agentOne who acts independently
operative · undercover · covert · clandestine · intelligence · counterintelligence · sleeper · surveillance · reconnaissance · handler
plot
Storyline or land parcel
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
intrigue · cloak-and-dagger · conspirator · co-conspirator · mastermind · ringleader · cell · cabal · underground · resistance
traitor
One who betrays allegiance
- turncoatOne who betrays allegiance
- defectorOne who abandons allegiance
- collaboratorOne who works jointly
informant · quisling · betrayer · renegade · rat · sellout · Judas · treacherous · perfidious · backstabber
vandalism
Willful property damage
- defacementDamaging an appearance
- graffitiIllegal surface markings
- damageHarm or impairment
destruction · tampering · wrecking · arson · cutting · slashing · contamination · tagging · desecration
demolition
Deliberate structural destruction
detonation · dismantling · disabling · incendiary · scuttling · torpedo · decommission · impairment · disablement · booby-trap
disruption
Forceful interruption of process
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- obstructionSomething blocking the way
- hindranceBarrier to progress
chaos · disorder · destabilization · malfunction · breakdown · interruption · complication · impediment · derailment · monkeywrenching
- espionagespy, spies, double agent, double agents, spying
- lawbreakersthief, robber, burglar, vandal, smuggler
- rule breakersrulebreaker, transgressor, violator, offender, lawbreaker
- stealthsneak, ninja, creep, spy, skulk
- troublemakerstroublemaker, rascals, delinquents, imps, brats
- wartime jobssoldier, medic, general, sergeant, nurse
saboteurbuilder
One who erects structures
creator · constructor · maker · developer · architect
saboteurloyalist
Faithful supporter of authority
patriot · defender · ally · faithful servant · stalwart
saboteurrepairman
One who mends machinery
fixer · mechanic · technician · restorer · maintenance worker