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scuttle3

Pronunciation: /ˈskʌt(ə)l/

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Definition of scuttle

verb

[with object]

1sink (one’s own ship) deliberately by holing it or opening its seacocks to let water in: the ship was scuttled by its German prize crew, who took to the boats

2deliberately cause (a scheme) to fail:some of the stockholders are threatening to scuttle the deal

noun

an opening with a cover in a ship’s deck or side: a shaft of sunlight blazed through the cabin scuttle

Origin:

late 15th century (as a noun): perhaps from Old French escoutille, from the Spanish diminutive escotilla 'hatchway'. The verb dates from the mid 17th century

scuttle in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of scuttle in the US English dictionary

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