undermine
US /ˌʌn.dɚˈmaɪn/
UK /ˌʌn.dəˈmaɪn/
動詞
1.
損なう, 弱体化させる
to make something, especially someone's confidence or authority, gradually weaker or less effective
例:
•
The constant criticism began to undermine her confidence.
絶え間ない批判が彼女の自信を損ない始めた。
•
His rivals tried to undermine his authority.
彼のライバルたちは彼の権威を損なおうとした。
2.
基礎を掘り崩す, 浸食する
to excavate beneath the base of a wall or building so as to make it collapse
例:
•
The engineers had to undermine the old bridge supports to replace them.
技術者たちは古い橋の支柱を交換するために基礎を掘り崩す必要があった。
•
The heavy rains began to undermine the foundations of the house.
大雨が家の基礎を浸食し始めた。