WordVale

undermine

/ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/  ·  say it: UN·der·MINE

to weaken gradually

In Sophisticated Everyday

to weaken gradually

In Formal & Academic

to weaken gradually and secretly

In Actions & Behavior

to weaken an argument

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (verb) to weaken or damage something gradually, especially by making people doubt it or stop supporting it

2. (verb) to dig or tunnel under something, causing it to become unstable or collapse

Examples

• 1. Repeated scandals undermined the president's authority.
• 2. The river undermined the bridge's foundation over many years.

Nearby in Sophisticated Everyday

substantiate, tangible, transient, viable, adept, austere