undermine
[ uhn-der-mahyn or especially for 1, 2, 4, uhn-der-mahyn ]
/ ˌʌn dərˈmaɪn or especially for 1, 2, 4, ˈʌn dərˌmaɪn /
verb (used with object), un·der·mined, un·der·min·ing.
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.
Origin of undermine
OTHER WORDS FROM undermine
un·der·min·er, noun un·der·min·ing·ly, adverbWords nearby undermine
underling,
underlit,
underlying,
undermanned,
undermentioned,
undermine,
undermining ulcer,
undermodulate,
undermost,
underneath,
undernourish
Example sentences from the Web for undermining
British Dictionary definitions for undermining
undermine
/ (ˌʌndəˈmaɪn) /
verb (tr)
(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