erode
/i'roud/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive):
- To gradually wear away or destroy the surface of something, especially by the action of natural elements like water, wind, or ice.
- To gradually reduce or weaken something, such as strength, power, or a feeling.
Verb (intransitive):
- To be gradually worn away or diminished.
Usage Examples
- Verb (transitive):
- The river's current continues to erode the riverbank.
- Constant criticism can erode a person's self-esteem over time.
- Verb (intransitive):
- The coastline is eroding at an alarming rate.
- Public trust in the institution has eroded significantly.
Advanced Usage
- "Erode away": This phrasal verb emphasizes the gradual, complete process of erosion.
- Years of neglect have eroded away the building's foundation.
- Used in economic or abstract contexts:
- Inflation erodes the value of savings.
- The new policy risks eroding our competitive advantage.
Variants and Related Words
- Erosion (n): The process of eroding or the state of being eroded.
- Soil erosion is a major environmental concern.
- Erosive (adj): Having the power to erode.
- The erosive power of glacial ice shaped the valley.
Synonyms
- Wear away: To gradually remove or be removed by friction or a similar force.
- Corrode: To destroy or damage metal slowly by chemical action; often used metaphorically like "erode".
- Diminish: To make or become less.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Erode at: To gradually reduce the strength or value of something.
- Doubts began to erode at her resolve.
Related Idioms
- The eroding effect of time: A common phrase describing how time gradually weakens or changes things.
- We can see the eroding effect of time on the ancient monuments.
Verb
- remove soil or rock
- Rain eroded the terraces
- become ground down or deteriorate
- Her confidence eroded