corrode

[kuh-rohd]

verb (used with object)

corroded, corroding 

1. to eat or wear away gradually as if by gnawing, especially by chemical action.

2. to impair; deteriorate.

   Jealousy corroded his character.

verb (used without object)

corroded, corroding 

1. to become corroded.

corrode

/ kəˈrəʊd /

verb

1. to eat away or be eaten away, esp by chemical action as in the oxidation or rusting of a metal

2. (tr) to destroy gradually; consume

   his jealousy corroded his happiness

Other Word Forms

• corroder noun
• corrodibility noun
• corrodible adjective
• corrodant noun
• corrodent noun
• noncorrodible adjective
• noncorroding adjective
• uncorroded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of corrode¹

1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Latin corrōdere to gnaw to pieces, equivalent to cor- cor- + rōdere to gnaw; akin to rodent

Word History and Origins

Origin of corrode¹

C14: from Latin corrōdere to gnaw to pieces, from rōdere to gnaw; see _rodent , _rat

Example Sentences

It corrupts the legal process, corrodes public faith in civic institutions, and invites further leaps up the partisan warfare escalator.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The unit was shuttered by a different company a decade ago after a corroded section of pipeline ruptured near Refugio State Beach, creating one of the state’s worst oil spills.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Everyone must lie", she says, because "to be honest is dangerous"; and yet "lying corrodes the team", which is much-needed to complete tasks.

Read more on BBC

The conflict has drained Moscow’s economic and military resources, corroding the influence it once wielded beyond its borders.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The lines have sat idle since 2015, when a corroded section ruptured near Refugio State Beach, creating one of the state’s worst oil spills.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deteriorate 
• erode 
• impair 
• rot 
• rust