erosion

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the gradual wearing away of soil, rock, or another surface by water, wind, ice, or chemical action

   Planting grass on the slope reduced erosion during heavy rain.

2. 2
   noun

   the gradual weakening, reduction, or loss of something

   Repeated scandals caused an erosion of public trust.

From French érosion and Latin erosio ("a gnawing away"), from erodere ("to gnaw away"). The geological sense preserves that image of gradual removal; the figurative sense applies the same process to confidence, rights, and other abstractions.

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