undermine

verb
UK: /ˌʌndəˈmaɪn/
US: /ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/

  1. To weaken or damage something, especially gradually or insidiously.

    1. He tried to undermine my position at work to get a promotion.
    2. Criticism can undermine confidence, especially in young children who need support.

  2. To make someone less confident, less powerful, or less likely to succeed, or to make something weaker, often gradually.

    1. The constant arguing undermined their relationship, and they eventually broke up.
    2. By constantly questioning her decisions, you undermine her authority and ability to lead.

  3. To dig or excavate underneath (a building or natural feature) so as to make it collapse or be in danger of collapsing.

    1. The heavy rains undermined the foundations of the old bridge.
    2. They are undermining the city walls, hoping to create a breach for their attack.

Synonyms

weaken erode sabotage threaten disable subvert compromise impair damage injure

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "undermine" in English means: To weaken or damage something, especially gradually or insidiously., To make someone less confident, less powerful, or less likely to succeed, or to make something weaker, often gradually., To dig or excavate underneath (a building or natural feature) so as to make it collapse or be in danger of collapsing..

The phonetic transcription of "undermine" is /ˌʌndəˈmaɪn/ in British English and /ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "undermine": weaken, erode, sabotage, threaten, disable, subvert, compromise, impair, damage, injure.

Example usage of "undermine": "He tried to undermine my position at work to get a promotion.". More examples on the page.