undermine
US /ˌʌn.dɚˈmaɪn/
UK /ˌʌn.dɚˈmaɪn/
1.
untergraben, schwächen
to make something, especially someone's confidence or authority, gradually weaker or less effective
:
•
The constant criticism began to undermine her confidence.
Die ständige Kritik begann, ihr Selbstvertrauen zu untergraben.
•
His rivals tried to undermine his authority.
Seine Rivalen versuchten, seine Autorität zu untergraben.
2.
untergraben, aushöhlen
to excavate beneath the base of a wall or building so as to make it collapse
:
•
The engineers had to undermine the old bridge supports to replace them.
Die Ingenieure mussten die alten Brückenpfeiler untergraben, um sie zu ersetzen.
•
The heavy rains began to undermine the foundations of the house.
Die starken Regenfälle begannen, die Fundamente des Hauses zu untergraben.