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
