eaten away
Worn by erosion
Eaten away describes gradual destruction through corrosion, erosion, or decay.
Rust eats away at metal; acid eats away at stone; guilt eats away at someone's conscience.
The phrase implies slow, persistent damage rather than sudden destruction: The foundation had been eaten away by termites.
Worry had eaten away at her for months.
Fragment gradually
- disintegrateBreak into fragments
- dilapidateFall into disrepair
- degradeLower in standing
- weakenReduce in strength
structural damage · compromised · failing · ruined · damaged · worn · pitted · riddled
Organic breakdown process
- decomposeBreak into simpler parts
- putrefyDecompose with stench
- spoilDamage or overindulge
- festerDecay or seethe inside
molder · necrosis · gangrene · biodegrade · compost · carrion · rancid · maggots
Iron oxide coating
- oxidizeCombine with oxygen
- tarnishOxidation discoloration on metal
- pittingForming small cavities
- corrodeDestroy through chemical action
galvanic · cathodic · anodic · electrolysis · acidic · metal fatigue · chemical reaction · fretting
Atmospheric breakdown of materials
washout · gully · siltation · attrition · denudation · sediment · abrasion · exfoliation
crumble
Fragment gradually
- disintegrateBreak into fragments
- dilapidateFall into disrepair
- degradeLower in standing
weaken · structural damage · compromised · failing · ruined · damaged · worn · pitted · riddled · honeycombed
rot
Organic breakdown process
fester · molder · necrosis · gangrene · biodegrade · compost · carrion · rancid · maggots · fungal
rust
Iron oxide coating
corrode · galvanic · cathodic · anodic · electrolysis · acidic · metal fatigue · chemical reaction · fretting · corrosive
weathering
Atmospheric breakdown of materials
undermine · washout · gully · siltation · attrition · denudation · sediment · abrasion · exfoliation · coastline
eaten awaybuilt up
Increased through accumulation
accumulated · accreted · deposited · amassed · piled up
eaten awayreinforced
Made more resistant
strengthened · fortified · shored up · bolstered · buttressed