untergraben
Translation
to undermine, to subvert, to erode
Examples
Er versucht, meine Autorität zu untergraben.
He is trying to undermine my authority.
Das Misstrauen untergräbt ihre Beziehung.
The mistrust is undermining their relationship.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) to undermine sth. They are undermining the trust.
Similar Words
Synonyms: schwächen (to weaken), zersetzen (to subvert), aushöhlen (to hollow out); Antonyms: stärken (to strengthen), stützen (to support)
Etymology
Composed of 'unter' (under) and 'graben' (to dig). It literally means 'to dig under', as in digging beneath a structure to weaken it.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone 'digging under' (untergraben) the foundation of a building to cause its collapse. This visualizes the act of undermining.