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View synonyms for

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

/ ˌʌԻəˈɪ /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌܲԻˈԱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ܲ··· noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of undermine1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English underminen; under-, mine 2
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The mayor has repeatedly accused the president and his team of trying to undermine his authority.

From

But Hope Not Hate, an anti-racism campaign group which has clashed with Farage in the past, said the examples it had found undermined his vetting claims.

From

The UN says this is "further depriving people of the means for survival and undermining every aspect of civilian life".

From

However, opponents say the move undermines the bill's safeguards.

From

Faraya claimed during Wednesday's news conference that members of the Brotherhood "operate in the shadows and engage in activities that could undermine stability and security".

From

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undermentionedundermined