The verb "undermine" means to weaken or damage something, often in a gradual or covert way. It can refer to weakening someone's authority, confidence, or effectiveness, or physically weakening structures. The word is commonly used in both spoken and written English, often appearing in contexts related to personal relationships, politics, business, and strategies.
"Undermine" is relatively frequent in both oral and written contexts, with a slightly higher prevalence in written forms due to its formal connotations. It tends to appear in discussions involving conflict, challenges to authority, or strategic maneuvers.
Постоянная критика со стороны его сверстников может подорвать его уверенность.
Undermining trust in the organization can lead to its downfall.
Подрывание доверия к организации может привести к ее падению.
The heavy rain began to undermine the foundation of the building.
The word "undermine" is often included in various idiomatic expressions, particularly in contexts involving subtle or underhanded tactics.
Его попытки подорвать ее авторитет не остались незамеченными.
Undermine the competition
Они пытались подорвать конкуренцию негативной рекламой.
Undermine public confidence
Скандалы могут значительно подорвать общественное доверие к правительству.
Undermine a relationship
Постоянная ложь может подорвать отношения с течением времени.
To undermine efforts
The word "undermine" originated from the Middle English term "under mine," which meant to dig beneath or make a mine under something. Over time, it evolved to imply figurative meanings of weakening or damaging something gradually. The prefix "under-" indicates a position beneath, while "mine" relates to the act of eroding or undermining the integrity of something, whether literally or metaphorically.