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

"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

According to the latest British Social Attitudes survey, 81% of those who voted Reform last year believe that migrants have undermined rather than enriched the country's culture.

From BBC

European governments and experts regularly blame Russia, claiming such practices fit with an alleged Kremlin strategy to generally sow disorder and undermine European security.

From BBC

They said the lower court setbacks, unless quickly reversed, “gravely undermine the President’s ability to conduct real-world diplomacy and his ability to protect the national security and economy of the United States.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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