Undermine
Word of the Day
What is Undermine?
verb
To weaken or damage something gradually or insidiously.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to highlight how not all threats are overt; many powerful forces are weakened from within, slowly and quietly.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
Rumors began to undermine the team’s confidence.
His constant criticism undermined her self-esteem.
Corruption can undermine even the strongest institutions.
Word Origins
Middle English underminen from “under” + “minen” (to mine)
Originally referred to tunneling beneath walls to collapse them; now used figuratively for weakening institutions, people, or ideas.
First appearance in English: 14th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Noun:
The deliberate undermining of his reputation was exposed.
-
Verb:
She accused him of trying to sabotage her project.
-
Adjective:
They viewed the book as a subversive threat.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: socavar
- French: saper
- German: untergraben
- Italian: minare
- Portuguese: minar
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Sabotage
“Sabotage” is direct and aggressive; “undermine” is slow and subtle.
Erode
“Erode” is typically physical; “undermine” is abstract or social.
Destabilize
“Destabilize” applies to systems or governments; “undermine” often targets individuals or relationships.
Fun Facts
- “Undermine” originally described medieval warfare tactics of collapsing castle walls.
- In chess, “undermining” is a strategic removal of a defender piece to expose the king.
Cultural Usage
- Disinformation campaigns are used to undermine democratic processes.
- Gaslighting is a psychological tactic used to undermine a person’s sense of reality.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes confused with “sabotage,” which implies active destruction; “undermine” is slower and more subtle.
Micro Story
Leaking the memo was a calculated move to undermine her authority.