c. 1300, undermyne, "render unstable by digging at the foundation," from under + mine (v.). The figurative sense "injure by invisible, secret, or dishonorable means" is attested from early 15c. Similar formation in Dutch ondermijnen, Danish underminere, German unterminiren. The Old English verb was underdelfan. Related: Undermined; undermining.
实用例句
1. This may help to undermine the brittle truce that currently exists.
这也许会火上浇油，破坏当前脆弱不稳的休战局面。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The continued fighting threatens to undermine efforts to negotiate an agreement.
持续的战斗会破坏希望通过谈判来达成协议的努力。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Western intelligence agencies are accused of trying to undermine the government.
西方情报机构被指责企图动摇该政府的统治。
来自柯林斯例句
4. The President's enemies are spreading rumours to undermine his authority.
总统的敌人在散布谣言以逐渐破坏他的威信.
来自《简明英汉词典》
5. These incidents could seriously undermine support for the police.