undermine

US /ˌʌn.dɚˈmaɪn/
UK /ˌʌn.dɚˈmaɪn/
"undermine" picture
1.

to make something, especially someone's confidence or authority, gradually weaker or less effective

:
•
The constant criticism began to undermine her confidence.
•
His rivals tried to undermine his authority.
:
weakenerodeimpairsabotagesubvert
2.

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.
•
The heavy rains began to undermine the foundations of the house.
:
excavatedig undertunnel under