corrode

[ kuh-rohd ]

verb (used with object)

, cor·rod·ed, cor·rod·ing.

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)

, cor·rod·ed, cor·rod·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• corˈroder, noun
• corˌrodiˈbility, noun
• corˈrodible, adjective
• corˈrodant, noun

Other Words From

• cor·rodent noun
• cor·roder noun
• cor·rodi·ble adjective
• cor·rodi·bili·ty noun
• noncor·rodi·ble adjective
• noncor·roding adjective noun
• uncor·roded 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

As it corrodes, the bronze creates an anti-bacterial environment in the surrounding soil.

From Popular-Science

Cracks in garage ceilings, corroded rebar in concrete columns, and signs of saltwater seepage after bad weather—not uncommon features of older seaside structures in this part of the state—are being seen with new and wary eyes.

From Time

Their windows were boarded up and their playground equipment was corroded.

From ProPublica

After that, Acebo said the van was frequently inoperable, and it sat in her driveway corroding with rust.

From ProPublica

Violence surrounds us and corrodes discourse, and the basic structure of democracy, capitalism and America constrains the equal pursuit of happiness.

From Washington Post

It would be tempting, at this point, to say that the Internet will corrode religious authority and usher in the Great Secular Age.

From The Daily Beast

They can corrode through whatever human tissue they contact if swallowed or stuck into an orifice, sometimes in a matter of hours.

From The Daily Beast

Throwing hot fat into your trash can will melt the bag, and pouring it down the sink will corrode the pipes.

From The Daily Beast

Quakers are diligent; they help one another, and the fear of want does not corrode their minds.

From Project Gutenberg

You take it for granted that metals corrode, coastlines change, and storms interfere with communication.

From Project Gutenberg

Again, a cylinder oil should not have any acid in it which would have a tendency to corrode the metal.

From Project Gutenberg

It needed but a little of the splendour and luxury of an oriental court to corrode the old iron of the Spartan character.

From Project Gutenberg

If it would corrode it would be valueless for many of the uses to which it is put.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• deteriorate
• erode
• impair
• rot
• rust