Definition of Undermine
Undermine
un·der·mine
Definition/Meaning
(verb)
to ruin or weaken something/someone or to lessen its/their power, effectiveness, or abilities, especially gradually, subtly, or secretly;
e.g. He tried to undermine her authority by rudely pointing out her mistake in front of everyone.
(verb)
to erode the supporting material from underneath something, especially to wash away the foundation of a landform or structure;
e.g. The subterranean rivers undermine the walls of the cave and might cause them to collapse.
(verb)
to dig or mine beneath something, especially a building or structure, in order to make it collapse;
e.g. The army began to undermine the enemy's fort wall so that they could invade it more easily.
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