undermine

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

verb (used with object)

, un·der·mined, un·der·min·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˌunderˈminer, noun

Other Words From

• un·der·min·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of undermine¹

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

Example Sentences

The newly appointed Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, has told us: “We will keep chipping away and undermining their business to the point where that is no longer viable and profitable.”

From BBC

“Everyone has to make a decision about how much engagement they can tolerate without undermining their psychological well-being,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

They argue that focusing on housing people regardless of their sobriety status has led to successes, like a recent drop in veteran homelessness, that would be undermined if Trump reverses course.

From Los Angeles Times

But he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that working with other countries to intercept people before they reached the coast of France and undermining the business models of smuggling gangs was crucial.

From BBC

"Breaking them off would change their business models, raise the cost of devices, and undermine Android and Google Play in their robust competition with Apple’s iPhone and App Store," the company said.

From BBC

Related Words

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