scuttle

//ˈskʌt.əl//
C1Frequency Level 12Neutral
Visual representation of scuttle

Verb

scuttleInfinitive
scuttlePresent tense
scuttledPast tense
scuttledPast participle
scuttlingPresent participle
scuttlesThird-person singular
1

To run with quick, hurried steps; to scurry.

The crab scuttled across the sand and disappeared into the water.

Verb

scuttleInfinitive
scuttlePresent tense
scuttledPast tense
scuttledPast participle
scuttlingPresent participle
scuttlesThird-person singular
1

To deliberately sink a ship by making holes in the hull or opening seacocks.

The captain ordered the crew to scuttle the ship to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

2

To deliberately ruin or abandon a plan, project, or undertaking.

The CEO's sudden resignation scuttled the merger plans.

Antonym

Noun

scuttleSingular
scuttlesPlural
1

A metal container used for carrying and storing coal.

He filled the scuttle with coal from the shed.

Noun

scuttleSingular
scuttlesPlural
1

A small hatch or opening in a ship's deck or hull.

The sailor opened the scuttle to let fresh air into the cabin below.