erode

Universal Words verb [oftenpassive] ~ (sth) (away) 1 to gradually destroy the surface of sth through the action of wind, rain, etc.; to be gradually destroyed in this way SYNWEARAWAY: [VN] The cliff face has been steadily eroded by the sea. * [V] The rocks have eroded away over time. 2 (written) to gradually destroy sth or make it weaker over a period of time; to be destroyed or made weaker in this way: [VN] Her confidence has been slowly eroded by repeated failures. * Mortgage payments have been eroded (= decreased in value) by inflation. [also V]۠ erosion noun [U]: the erosion of the coastline by the sea * soil erosion * the erosion of her confidence