'saboteur' originates from French, specifically the word 'saboter,' where 'sabot' meant 'wooden shoe' and 'saboter' meant 'to botch or bungle.'

'saboter' transformed into the French word 'saboteur,' and eventually became the modern English word 'saboteur' through borrowing.

Initially, it meant 'to bungle or botch,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'one who engages in sabotage.'