undermine

[uhn-der-mahyn, uhn-der-mahyn]

verb (used with object)

undermined, undermining 

1. to injure or destroy by insidious activity or imperceptible stages, sometimes tending toward a sudden dramatic effect.

2. to attack by indirect, secret, or underhand means; attempt to subvert by stealth.

3. to make an excavation under; dig or tunnel beneath, as a military stronghold.

4. to weaken or cause to collapse by removing underlying support, as by digging away or eroding the foundation.

undermine

/ ˌʌndəˈmaɪn /

verb

1. (of the sea, wind, etc) to wear away the bottom or base of (land, cliffs, etc)

2. to weaken gradually or insidiously

   their insults undermined her confidence

3. to tunnel or dig beneath

Other Word Forms

• underminer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of undermine¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English underminen; under-, mine ²

Example Sentences

“Encouraging our warriors to ignore the orders of their Commanders undermines every aspect of ‘good order and discipline,’” Hegseth said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

At a recent private meeting, some executives told the New York Fed they worry using the facility would carry a stigma, undermining the tool’s purpose as volatility increases.

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Without thoughtful intervention, these dense seaweed mats could gradually undermine hatchling survival and long-term conservation efforts.

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Gen. Anwar Rajab, adding that his forces could handle security and that Israel was undermining their authority with its actions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In a submission running over 100 pages, Japanese officials warned listing all eel species would "undermine the credibility of this institution".

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• erode 
• frustrate 
• hurt 
• impair 
• ruin 
• sabotage 
• sap 
• subvert 
• threaten 
• thwart 
• torpedo 
• undercut 
• weaken 
• wreck