undermine
US /ˌʌn.dɚˈmaɪn/
UK /ˌʌn.dɚˈmaɪn/
1.
saper, miner
to make something, especially someone's confidence or authority, gradually weaker or less effective
:
•
The constant criticism began to undermine her confidence.
Les critiques constantes ont commencé à saper sa confiance.
•
His rivals tried to undermine his authority.
Ses rivaux ont essayé de saper son autorité.
2.
saper, miner
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.
Les ingénieurs ont dû saper les anciens supports du pont pour les remplacer.
•
The heavy rains began to undermine the foundations of the house.
Les fortes pluies ont commencé à saper les fondations de la maison.