English · Word Candidate

undermine

/ˌʌn.dəˈmaɪn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: undermines · undermining · undermined

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To dig underneath (something), to make a passage for destructive or military purposes; to sap.

Verb

Examples

Martin, for instance, had on one occasion undermined a tree sacred to old gods, then stood in the path of its fall, but forced it to fall elsewhere by making the sign of the Cross.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To weaken or work against; to hinder, sabotage.

Verb

Examples

The war efforts were undermined by the constant bickering between the allies.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “undermine” mean?

To dig underneath (something), to make a passage for destructive or military purposes; to sap.

Is “undermine” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.