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.
雙語例句
1. This may help to undermine the brittle truce that currently exists.
這也許會火上澆油，破壞當前脆弱不穩的休戰局面。
來自柯林斯例句
2. The continued fighting threatens to undermine efforts to negotiate an agreement.
持續的戰斗會破壞希望通過談判來達成協議的努力。
來自柯林斯例句
3. Western intelligence agencies are accused of trying to undermine the government.
西方情報機構被指責企圖動搖該政府的統治。
來自柯林斯例句
4. The President's enemies are spreading rumours to undermine his authority.
總統的敵人在散布謠言以逐漸破壞他的威信.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
5. These incidents could seriously undermine support for the police.