erode Definition
- 1gradually wear away or destroy (something)
- 2be gradually worn away or destroyed
Using erode: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "erode" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The cliffs have been eroded by the sea.
Example
The metal was eroded by the acid.
Example
The company's profits were eroded by rising costs.
Example
His confidence was slowly eroded by criticism.
erode Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with erode
Example
The old building is slowly eroding away.
erode one's confidence/trust
gradually reduce or weaken someone's confidence or trust
Example
The constant criticism eroded her confidence in her abilities.
Example
Inflation has eroded the value of our savings.
Origins of erode
from Latin 'erodere', meaning 'to gnaw away'
Summary: erode in Brief
'Erode' [ɪˈrəʊd] means to gradually wear away or destroy something, as in 'The cliffs have been eroded by the sea.' It can also refer to the gradual wearing away of intangible things like confidence or trust, as in 'The constant criticism eroded her confidence in her abilities.' Other phrases include 'erode away,' meaning to gradually disappear or be destroyed, and 'erode the value of something,' meaning to gradually reduce its worth.