undermine
US /ˌʌn.dɚˈmaɪn/
UK /ˌʌn.dɚˈmaɪn/
1.
ondermijnen, verzwakken
to make something, especially someone's confidence or authority, gradually weaker or less effective
:
•
The constant criticism began to undermine her confidence.
De constante kritiek begon haar zelfvertrouwen te ondermijnen.
•
His rivals tried to undermine his authority.
Zijn rivalen probeerden zijn autoriteit te ondermijnen.
2.
ondermijnen, ondergraven
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.
De ingenieurs moesten de oude brugsteunen ondermijnen om ze te vervangen.
•
The heavy rains began to undermine the foundations of the house.
De zware regen begon de funderingen van het huis te ondermijnen.