undermine

views updated Jun 11 2018

un·der·mine / ˌəndərˈmīn; ˈəndərˌmīn/ • v. [tr.] erode the base or foundation of (a rock formation). ∎  dig or excavate beneath (a building or fortification) so as to make it collapse. ∎ fig. damage or weaken (someone or something), esp. gradually or insidiously: this could undermine years of hard work.DERIVATIVES: un·der·min·er n.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

undermine

views updated May 17 2018

undermine mine beneath XIV; overthrow by underhand means XV. f. UNDER + MINE2.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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