undermine

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

verb (used with object)

undermined, undermining 

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

Other Word Forms

• underminer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of undermine¹

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

Example Sentences

Bypassing these bilateral and international treaties to dramatically blow up a ship not only violates law, but it will, I believe, further undermine trust and confidence in these or any other agreements the U.S. makes.

From Salon

In a blistering statement, Kerry Kennedy, RFK Jr.’s sister and president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, accused her brother of “undermining trust in science” and “endangering lives” with his restrictive vaccine policies.

From Salon

For the government's number two to have messed up her tax affairs undermines faith in ministers' ability.

From BBC

"This operation sends a clear message that those who exploit the system and undermine our workforce will be held accountable."

From BBC

He was criticised at the time for undermining TfL's negotiating team and there are those that think the RMT union is waiting for a similar intervention.

From BBC

Related Words

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