undermine

/ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/ (American pronunciation)

Origin

From Middle English underminen, from Old English underminian, equivalent to under- + mine

Meanings

1. To weaken or damage (something) gradually or insidiously
2. To erode the base or foundation of (a rock formation, building, etc.)
3. To subvert or weaken insidiously or secretly

Example Sentences

1. The constant criticism began to undermine his confidence.
2. Corruption can undermine the stability of a government.
3. Years of erosion had undermined the cliff face, making it unstable.
4. Her attempts to undermine her colleague's reputation backfired.

Related Words

• Forms: undermines, undermining, undermined
• Synonyms: subvert, sabotage, weaken, erode, destabilize

Memorization Trick

Think of "under" + "mine": Imagine digging a mine under a structure, weakening its foundation. This visual helps remember that to undermine is to weaken something from below or in a subtle way.