undermine

A verb used to indicate the act of weakening or damaging something, especially gradually or insidiously.

ruГлагол, используемый для обозначения действия по ослаблению или повреждению чего-либо, особенно постепенно или скрыто.esVerbo que se usa para indicar la acción de debilitar o dañar algo, especialmente de forma gradual u oculta.frVerbe utilisé pour désigner l'action d'affaiblir ou de saper quelque chose, en particulier progressivement ou de manière cachée.deSchwächen oder allmählich zerstören, oft auf heimtückische oder verdeckte Weise; auch untergraben im wörtlichen Sinne.ptVerbo usado para indicar a ação de enfraquecer ou prejudicar algo, especialmente de forma gradual ou oculta.zh指逐渐或暗中削弱、损害某事物的力量、基础或效果。arفعل يُستخدم للإشارة إلى إضعاف شيء أو تقويضه أو الإضرار به، وخاصة بشكل تدريجي أو خفي.

1. Weaken gradually B2 formal

   To damage or weaken something (such as an argument, system, or authority) gradually or insidiously.

   • The constant criticism began to undermine her confidence.
   • The scandal undermined public trust in the government.
   • His actions undermined the team's morale.

   ruПодрыватьessocavarfrAffaiblir progressivementdeUntergrabenptMinarzh削弱arتقويض

   Synonyms: compromisedebilitatediminishenervateerodeimpairsapsubvertundercutweaken

2. Erode physically C1 formal

   To wear away the base or foundation of something, often by water or other natural forces.

   • The river's current undermined the bank, causing it to collapse.
   • The roots of the tree undermined the foundation of the house.
   • Over time, the waves undermined the cliff.

   ruПодмыватьesSocavar (erosión física)frMiner, saper (par érosion)deUntergrabenptErosionar a basezh侵蚀arتآكل القاعدة

   Synonyms: eat awayerodehollow outscourundercutwash outwear away

• undermined past participle
• undermined past simple
• undermining present participle
• undermines third person singular