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.
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Origin of undermine
OTHER WORDS FROM undermine
un·der·min·er, nounun·der·min·ing·ly, adverbDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for undermine
British Dictionary definitions for undermine
undermine
/ (ˌʌndəˈmaɪn) /
verb (tr)
(of the sea, wind, etc) to wear away the bottom or base of (land, cliffs, etc)
to weaken gradually or insidiouslytheir insults undermined her confidence
to tunnel or dig beneath
Derived forms of undermine
underminer, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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