undermine
undermine
UK[ˌʌn.dəˈmaɪn]US[ˌʌn.dɚˈmaɪn]
v
to make someone or something less strong or less effective, often gradually or secretly
v
to dig or wear away the ground beneath a structure, making it less stable
Morpheme Breakdown
under
mine
under
beneath, below
mine
to dig, to excavate
Etymology
the word 'undermine' is a compound formed from two old english elements. the first, 'under', descends from proto-germanic under and ultimately from proto-indo-european ndher-, meaning 'under'. the second, 'mine', derives from the old french verb 'miner', meaning 'to dig, to sap', which itself has a probable celtic origin. the literal sense, dating from the 14th century, referred to the military tactic of digging a tunnel under a fortress wall to collapse it. by the early 15th century, this vivid physical metaphor was extended to describe the figurative act of weakening authority, confidence, or efforts through covert or insidious means, which is its primary modern usage.
Analysis
Structure: under + mine
under (old english, meaning 'beneath, below'); mine (old english, meaning 'to dig, to excavate')
Examples
spreading these rumors is an attempt to undermine public trust in the institution.
constant criticism can undermine a person's self-esteem over time.
the river's currents have begun to undermine the foundations of the bridge.