e·rode / iˈrōd/ • v. [tr.] (often be eroded) (of wind, water, or other natural agents) gradually wear away (soil, rock, or land): the cliffs have been eroded by the sea. ∎  [intr.] (of soil, rock, or land) be gradually worn away by such natural agents. ∎ fig. gradually destroy or be gradually destroyed: [tr.] this humiliation has eroded what confidence Jean has [intr.] profit margins are eroding. ∎  Med. (of a disease) gradually destroy (bodily tissue).DERIVATIVES: e·rod·i·ble adj.

erode eat or wear away. XVII. — F. éroder or L. ērōdere, f. E- + rōdere gnaw.
So erosion XVI. — F. érosion — L. ērōsiō, -ōn-, f. ērōs-, pp. stem of ērōdere.