undermine

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

削弱, 破坏

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

:
The constant criticism began to undermine her confidence.
持续的批评开始削弱她的信心。
His rivals tried to undermine his authority.
他的对手试图削弱他的权威。
2.

挖空, 侵蚀

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.
工程师们不得不挖空旧桥墩以进行更换。
The heavy rains began to undermine the foundations of the house.
大雨开始侵蚀房屋的地基。