undermines
Erodes from below
Undermines means to weaken or damage something gradually, often from beneath or within.
The word comes from the literal military tactic of digging tunnels under fortifications to collapse them.
Now it's mostly figurative: His constant criticism undermines her confidence.
You can undermine authority, trust, arguments, or efforts—anything that depends on a foundation of support or credibility.
One who deliberately undermines
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
- betrayalBreaking of trust
- tamperingImproper interference with something
wrecking · scuttling · obstruction · interference · disruption · vandalism · demolition · subterfuge
Make unsteady or insecure
- disruptInterrupt and disorder
- unsettleCause unease or anxiety
- upsetDisturb, topple, or shock
- shakeTrembling or blended treat
unbalance · disorder · turbulence · topple · overthrow · upend · rock · fracture
Gradual wearing away
- corrosionChemical wearing away
- deteriorationProcess of declining quality
- degradationDecline in condition
- decayGradual organic breakdown
attrition · crumble · sapping · gnawing · leaching · wear away · gradual · incremental
To make weak
- enfeebleMake feeble or frail
- impairTo diminish or damage
- diminishTo make smaller
- sapPlant circulatory fluid
attenuate · degrade · cripple · enervate · exhaust · compromise · deteriorate · wither
Concealed from authorities
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- secretiveInclined to conceal
- discreetCareful to avoid notice
undercover · hidden · furtive · unseen · undetected · insidious · underhanded · behind the scenes
saboteur
One who deliberately undermines
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
- betrayalBreaking of trust
tampering · wrecking · scuttling · obstruction · interference · disruption · vandalism · demolition · subterfuge · conspiracy
destabilize
Make unsteady or insecure
shake · unbalance · disorder · turbulence · topple · overthrow · upend · rock · fracture · splinter
erosion
Gradual wearing away
- corrosionChemical wearing away
- deteriorationProcess of declining quality
- degradationDecline in condition
decay · attrition · crumble · sapping · gnawing · leaching · wear away · gradual · incremental · insidious
debilitate
To make weak
sap · attenuate · degrade · cripple · enervate · exhaust · compromise · deteriorate · wither · decline
clandestine
Concealed from authorities
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- secretiveInclined to conceal
discreet · undercover · hidden · furtive · unseen · undetected · insidious · underhanded · behind the scenes · backhanded
- verbsjump, be, speak, wait, do
- criticismscriticizes, disparages, condemns, denounces, censures
- evasionevasion, avoiding, avoids, evade, dodging
- tarnishesblemishes, blots, corrupts, defames, denigrates
- erodeserodes, corrodes, abrades, wears down, wears out
- disagree verbsdenies, opposes, disputes, rejects, challenges
underminesreinforces
Strengthens or supports further
strengthens · buttresses · bolsters · supports · shores up
underminesvalidates
Confirms accuracy or legitimacy
legitimizes · affirms · vindicates · upholds · corroborates