1. moved quickly with short, hurried steps
2. deliberately sank a ship by making holes in the hull
Usage: nautical
3. deliberately ruined or abandoned a plan or project

Examples

• The crab scuttled across the sand into its hole.
• She scuttled down the hallway, trying not to be seen.
• The captain scuttled his own ship to prevent enemy capture.
• The crew scuttled the damaged vessel in deep water.
• The scandal scuttled his chances for promotion.
• They scuttled the merger plans after discovering financial problems.
• Mice scuttled behind the walls at night.