corrosion

noun
UK: /kəˈrəʊ.ʒən/
US: /kəˈroʊ.ʒən/

  1. The process of gradually destroying metal or other materials by chemical action.

    1. Rust is a form of corrosion that affects iron and steel.
    2. The coastal environment accelerates corrosion due to the presence of salt in the air.

  2. The gradual weakening or destruction of something, especially a person's character or morals.

    1. Power can lead to corrosion of values.
    2. Constant exposure to negativity resulted in a corrosion of their initial optimism.

Synonyms

rust erosion deterioration decay degradation oxidation
corrosion intransitive-verb

  1. To be gradually destroyed or weakened by a chemical process.

    1. Metal pipes corrode over time.
    2. The bridge supports corroded due to years of exposure to the elements.

  2. To gradually destroy or weaken something morally.

    1. His soul seemed to corrode after so many trials.
    2. Years of political infighting had corroded the party's original ideals.
corrosion transitive-verb

  1. To gradually destroy (metal, stone, or other materials) chemically.

    1. Salt water corrodes metal.
    2. Acid rain corrodes limestone statues over many years and decades.

  2. To impair, destroy, or weaken in a slow or gradual manner, usually morally.

    1. Lies can corrode trust within a relationship over time.
    2. The leader's constant deceit corroded the public's faith in the government.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "corrosion" in English means: The process of gradually destroying metal or other materials by chemical action., The gradual weakening or destruction of something, especially a person's character or morals..

The phonetic transcription of "corrosion" is /kəˈrəʊ.ʒən/ in British English and /kəˈroʊ.ʒən/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "corrosion": rust, erosion, deterioration, decay, degradation, oxidation.

Example usage of "corrosion": "Rust is a form of corrosion that affects iron and steel.". More examples on the page.