undermine
verb
[ ʌndəˈmʌɪn ]
• erode the base or foundation of (a rock formation).
• "the flow of water had undermined pillars supporting the roof"
• lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually or insidiously.
• "this could undermine years of hard work"
Similar:
subvert,
sabotage,
threaten,
weaken,
compromise,
diminish,
reduce,
impair,
mar,
spoil,
ruin,
impede,
hinder,
damage,
hurt,
injure,
cripple,
disable,
enfeeble,
sap,
shake,
whittle away,
eat away,
foul up,
botch,
put the kibosh on,
drag through the mud,
queer the pitch of,
Origin:
Middle English: from under- + the verb mine2, probably suggested by Middle Dutch ondermineren .
