★ undermine（v）在某物下挖洞或挖通道，从根基出损坏
Badgers had undermined the foundations of the church。
獾在这座教堂的地基处打了洞。
His enemies are spreading rumours to undermine his authority.
他的敌人在散布谣言来暗中破坏他的威信。
In fact, the huge inheritance does not do him any good, but tends to undermine his vigor and passion for life.
实际上，这么大笔的遗产对他不仅没有什么好处，反而会损害他的活力和对生活的激情。
But everywhere corruption and inefficiency undermine implementation of the law.
但腐败无能无处不在，破坏了该法的执行。
★ erode（vt）（尤用于被动语态）（指酸、雨、风等）侵蚀或腐蚀
Metals are eroded by acids.
金属能被酸腐蚀。
Otherwise, inflation will erode the value of your savings.
要不然，通货膨胀会侵蚀你的存款价值。
These high levels of inequality erode social cohesion in the region.
这些严重的不平等侵蚀了该地区的社会凝聚力。