transitive verb. 1 : to subvert or weaken insidiously or secretly trying to undermine his political rivals. 2 : to weaken or ruin by degrees. 3 : to wash away supporting material from under. 4 : to excavate the earth beneath : form a mine under : sap.
What is an example of undermining?
Undermine is defined as to dig beneath, weaken or injure. An example of to undermine is digging a space under a walkway for irrigation. An example of to undermine is a weak person on a team making the team lose a game.
What is the synonym for undermining?
Some common synonyms of undermine are cripple, debilitate, disable, enfeeble, sap, and weaken. While all these words mean “to lose or cause to lose strength or vigor,” undermine and sap suggest a weakening by something working surreptitiously and insidiously.
How do you tell if someone is undermining you?
14 signs of undermining coworkers
They gossip. They put negative thoughts in your head. They take credit or place blame. They’re competitive in an unproductive way. They withhold necessary information from you. They act like your supervisor. They direct sabotaging comments and behavior at others as well.
Is it undermine or Undermind?
Some people believe in a mystical overmind, but not even they believe in an “undermind.” The word is “undermined.” If you dig under a castle wall to prepare to breach its defenses, you are undermining it, digging a mine under it.
What does it mean to undermine confidence?
to make someone less confident, less powerful, or less likely to succeed, or to make something weaker, often gradually: The president has accused two cabinet members of working secretly to undermine his position/him. Criticism just undermines their confidence.
What do you do when someone undermines your authority?
Pull them to your side
Make it easy for them to join you without confronting them about their disobedience. Invite them to give their opinions, ask them for their help on things that are beyond your capability. Thank them for their good work done. After a point, it gets difficult to go against someone who respects you.
What is a word for lack of integrity?
Opposite of the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. dishonesty. chicanery. crookedness. crookery.
What is it called when you belittle someone?
(or libellous), maligning, slandering, slanderous, vilifying.
How do you use undermine?
She tried to undermine my authority by complaining about me to my boss.The events of the past year have undermined people’s confidence in the government.
What insidiously means?
1a : having a gradual and cumulative effect : subtle the insidious pressures of modern life. b of a disease : developing so gradually as to be well established before becoming apparent. 2a : awaiting a chance to entrap : treacherous. b : harmful but enticing : seductive insidious drugs.
What is discredit?
transitive verb. 1 : to refuse to accept as true or accurate : disbelieve discredit a rumor. 2 : to cause disbelief in the accuracy or authority of trying to discredit the claims of a rival a discredited theory. 3 : to deprive of good repute : disgrace personal attacks meant to discredit his opponent.
