UNDERMINE

undermine. Undermine, v.t. to sap, injure secretly, destroy, ruin

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Un′der‐mine″ (?), v. t. 1. 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 wall.
A vast rock undermined from one end to the other, and a highway running through it. Addison. 2. 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 state.
He should be warned who are like to undermine him. Locke.