boring from within
- tunnelingDigging underground passages
- infiltratingEntering covertly to gather information
- underminingWeakening by covert means
- subvertingSeeking to overthrow
- hollowingMaking concave inside
corroding · termites · larvae · worm · parasite · decay · rot · sabotage · erosion · weakening · burrowing · gnawing · insidious · fifth column · treachery · mole · spy · corruption
relationship to institution
boring from withinbuilding up
Increasing gradually
reinforcing · preserving · buttressing · shoring up · loyal opposition
method of change
boring from withinrevolution
Violent governmental overthrow
coup d'état · violent overthrow · direct action · armed insurrection · mass uprising