Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Undermine
Unˊder-mine′
,Verb.
T.
1.
To excavate the earth beneath, or the part of, especially for the purpose of causing to fall or be overthrown; to form a mine under; to sap;
as, to
. undermine
a wallA vast rock
undermined
from one end to the other, and a highway running through it. Addison.
2.
Fig.: To remove the foundation or support of by clandestine means; to ruin in an underhand way;
as, to
. undermine
reputation; to undermine
the constitution of the stateHe should be warned who are like to
undermine
him. Locke.
Webster 1828 Edition
Undermine
UNDERMI'NE
, v.t.1.
To sap; to excavate the earth beneath, for the purpose of suffering to fall, or of blowing up; as, to undermine a wall.2.
To excavate the earth beneath. Rapid streams often undermine their banks and the trees growing upon them.3.
To remove the foundation or support of any thing by clandestine means; as, to undermine reputation; to undermine the constitution of the state.He should be warned who are like to undermine him.