undermine

Word parts

under- + mine

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ʌndəˈmaɪn/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form undermine

Third-person singular undermines

Past tense undermined

Past participle undermined

Present participle undermining

1. Someone or something undermines something when they make it difficult for it to happen.

   When you yell at people, it undermines our attempt to get these people to be friendly with each other.

2. Someone or something undermines something when they dig under it, maybe making it fall.
   • Synonyms: subvert and erode

   When it rained, the fast-moving part of the river came too close to the house and undermined one of its walls.

Related words

• mine
• under