corrode

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to destroy or be gradually destroyed by a chemical reaction, especially oxidation or acid

   Salt water can corrode unprotected steel.

2. 2
   verb

   to weaken or destroy something gradually, especially trust, confidence, or morale

   Years of secrecy began to corrode public trust.

From Middle English corroden, through Old French corroder or directly from Latin corrodere 'to gnaw away,' formed from con- 'completely' + rodere 'to gnaw.' The figurative sense preserves the image of slow, destructive eating away.

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