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undermine
[ uhn-der-mahyn uhn-der-mahyn ]
verb (used with object)
- to injure or destroy by insidious activity or imperceptible stages, sometimes tending toward a sudden dramatic effect.
- to attack by indirect, secret, or underhand means; attempt to subvert by stealth.
- to make an excavation under; dig or tunnel beneath, as a military stronghold.
- to weaken or cause to collapse by removing underlying support, as by digging away or eroding the foundation.
undermine
/ ˌʌԻəˈɪ /
verb
- (of the sea, wind, etc) to wear away the bottom or base of (land, cliffs, etc)
- to weaken gradually or insidiously
their insults undermined her confidence
- to tunnel or dig beneath
Derived Forms
- ˌܲԻˈԱ, noun
Other 51Թ Forms
- ܲ··· noun
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of undermine1
Example Sentences
Trump and his administration have repeatedly criticized, undermined and defunded science on climate change.
They say the potential impacts of Berwick Bank are becoming so severe that they "overshadow and are undermining" the progress of other, lower impact windfarm applications.
Iraq depends on Turkey for trade, investment and water security, while its fractured internal politics have further undermined the government's ability to take a strong stance.
Trump's trade tariffs and repeated comments undermining Canada's sovereignty overshadowed the race, which ended with Carney's Liberals projected to win a minority government, according to public broadcaster CBC.
A senior UN humanitarian official in Gaza warned "a lack of real accountability undermines international law and makes the world a more dangerous place".
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