Reading Theme:
Undermine: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：weaken secretly (undermine)
undermine
/ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/
vt.
To secretly and slowly damage something, causing it to fail or become less effective.
weaken secretly
➕
/ˈwiːkən ˈsiːkrətli/
vt.
To cause harm or damage to something in a gradual, hidden way, making it less effective or successful.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Literally 'under-mine', meaning to dig or tunnel beneath, hence weaken from below.
💡 Mnemonic
UNDER your feet, they MINE like a thief, causing collapse. The hidden action makes the structure weak.
📖 Example
His constant criticism of the project leader's ideas began to undermine the team's morale and progress.
His persistent negative comments about the leader's plans started to secretly weaken the team's spirit and forward movement.
🔗 Collocations
undermine authority – to erode someone's power or right to command
undermine confidence – to reduce someone's belief in themselves or something
undermine stability – to weaken the state of being steady and unchanging
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
strengthen (v.) – to make or become stronger
bolster (v.) – to support or strengthen
fortify (v.) – to strengthen a place or someone's resolve
🌱 Derivatives
undermining (n.) – the process or action of secretly weakening something
📖 Cultural Story
From Middle English, combining 'under' + 'mine' (to excavate). Historically linked to military sabotage by digging tunnels under fortifications. Now commonly describes actions that erode trust or authority in politics, relationships, or organizations.
Meaning 2：gradually weaken (undermine)
undermine
/ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/
vt.
To gradually make someone or something less strong, powerful, or healthy.
gradually weaken
➕
/ˈɡrædʒuəli ˈwiːkən/
vt.
To reduce the strength, effectiveness, or health of someone or something over a period of time.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Working long hours without enough sleep can seriously undermine your immune system over time.
Continuously working for extended periods while lacking sufficient rest can severely weaken your body's defense system gradually.
🔗 Collocations
undermine health – to gradually harm one's physical or mental condition
undermine efforts – to weaken or spoil the effectiveness of attempts to do something
undermine credibility – to gradually damage the quality of being trusted and believed in
🔄 Synonyms
erode (v.) – to gradually destroy or be destroyed
impair (v.) – to weaken or damage something, especially a human faculty or function
compromise (v.) – to cause to become vulnerable or function less effectively
🚫 Antonyms
boost (v.) – to help or encourage to increase or improve
enhance (v.) – to intensify, increase, or further improve the quality or value of
strengthen (v.) – to make or become stronger
Wordbook
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