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Meaning of undermines
The primary meaning of the word "undermines" is to weaken or damage something, often in a secret or hidden way.
Etymology of undermines
The word "undermines" originated in the 15th century from the Old French word "miner", meaning "to dig or tunnel under", and the prefix "under-", indicating a location or direction below something
Historically, the word referred to the act of digging tunnels or channels under fortifications or buildings to weaken or destroy them
Over time, the word took on a broader metaphorical meaning, encompassing any action that weakened or damaged something, whether physical or abstract
Synonyms
Definitions
- To weaken or damage something, often in a secret or hidden way
- * To remove support or foundation from under something, often causing it to collapse or fail
- * To secretly or quietly work against someone or something, often to cause them to fail or lose power
Usage Examples
- The company's financial troubles undermine its ability to invest in new projects
- * The scandal undermines the government's credibility and trustworthiness
- * The disease undermines the body's immune system, making it more susceptible to infection