undermined
|un-der-mined|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌʌndərˈmaɪnd/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌndəˈmaɪnd/
(undermine)
weaken gradually
Etymology
Etymology Information
'undermine' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'underminen,' where 'under-' meant 'beneath' and 'minen' meant 'to mine or dig.'
Historical Evolution
'underminen' transformed into the modern English word 'undermine' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to dig beneath,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to weaken or erode the foundation of something.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'undermine'.
The foundation was undermined by the floodwaters.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41