undermine
Translation
to undermine, to weaken, to subvert
Examples
His constant criticism undermined her confidence.
His constant criticism undermined her confidence.
They tried to undermine the government.
They tried to undermine the government.
Grammar Patterns
to undermine ((sth.)) to weaken (sth.) gradually The scandal could undermine his authority.
Similar Words
Synonyms: weaken, sabotage, subvert; Antonyms: strengthen, support, reinforce
Etymology
From 'under' + 'mine'. Literally, to dig a mine under something (like a castle wall) to make it collapse.
Memory Tips
Picture miners digging a tunnel *under* a fortress to make it fall. This is what you do to someone's authority or confidence.