verb
erode
ih-ROHD
verb
1
To gradually wear away, especially by water, wind, or chemical action.
"The cliffs have been eroding steadily for centuries."
"Acid rain erodes stone monuments over time."
2
To gradually weaken or destroy something over time.
"Years of scandal eroded the public's trust in the government."
How to Use Erode
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo wear something away slowly — used both literally (rock, soil) and figuratively (trust, support, value).
Common pairings
erode trust
erode the coastline
erode confidence
erode support
Word Forms
eroded past tense, erodes singular
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Acid rain _____ stone monuments over time.
Etymology
From French éroder, from Latin ērōdere, "to gnaw away."