erode

[ih-rohd]

verb (used with object)

eroded, eroding 

1. to eat into or away; destroy by slow consumption or disintegration.

   Battery acid had eroded the engine. Inflation erodes the value of our money.

   Synonyms: spoil, ravage, waste, corrode
   Antonyms: reinforce, strengthen

2. to form (a gully, butte, or the like) by erosion.

verb (used without object)

eroded, eroding 

1. to become eroded.

erode

/ ɪˈrəʊd /

verb

1. to grind or wear down or away or become ground or worn down or away

2. to deteriorate or cause to deteriorate

   jealousy eroded the relationship

3. (tr; usually passive) pathol to remove (tissue) by ulceration

Other Word Forms

• erodible adjective
• erodable adjective
• erosible adjective
• erodibility noun
• erodability noun
• noneroded adjective
• noneroding adjective
• unerodable adjective
• uneroded adjective
• unerodible adjective
• uneroding adjective
• erodent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of erode¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from French ė́roder or directly from Latin ērōdere, equivalent to ē- “out of, from” + rōdere “to gnaw”; e- ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of erode¹

C17: from Latin ērōdere, from _ex- ¹ + rōdere to gnaw

Example Sentences

Even with increasing protections for celebrity likenesses, critics warn that the casual “likeness appropriation” of any common person or situation could lead to public confusion, enhance misinformation and erode public trust.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The rising intolerance that results erodes social cohesion, undermines support for democratic norms and weakens trust in institutions.

Read more on Salon

“At a time when so many of our neighbors live in fear, sharing sensitive data only increases risks and erodes confidence,” Hernández wrote in a statement to CalMatters.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The catch: Mining has eroded the local terrain so much that most of Kiruna must be moved.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The rivalry is only intensifying and each kerfuffle, even if smoothed out, erodes trust between the two rivals.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• corrode 
• destroy