Undermine

(v. t.) To excavate the earth beneath, or the part of, especially for the purpose of causing to fall or be overthrown; to form a mine under; to sap; as, to undermine a wall.

(v. t.) Fig.: To remove the foundation or support of by clandestine means; to ruin in an underhand way; as, to undermine reputation; to undermine the constitution of the state.

整理:温弗雷德

• As the receding wave swept back with a hoarse roar, it seemed to scoop out deep caves in the beach, as if its purpose were to undermine the earth. 查尔斯·狄更斯. 大卫·科波菲尔.
• Have you considered what it is to undermine the confidence that should subsist between my daughter and myself? 查尔斯·狄更斯. 大卫·科波菲尔.
• But at last, fear undermined him. 戴维·赫伯特·劳伦斯. 恋爱中的女人.
• Certainly placid or morose acceptance is undermined. 沃尔特·李普曼. 政治序论.
• The Greek language resumed its sway, which had never been very seriously undermined by the official use of Latin. 赫伯特·乔治·威尔斯. 世界史纲.
• Later on the influence of Confucius over his duke was undermined, and he withdrew again into private life. 赫伯特·乔治·威尔斯. 世界史纲.
• We have already described the way in which a strong intellectual process undermined the system of Grand Monarchy in France before 1789. 赫伯特·乔治·威尔斯. 世界史纲.
• Never recovered the stomach pump--undermined constitution--fell a victim. 查尔斯·狄更斯. 匹克威克外传.
• It undermined the power of prejudice, superstition, and brute force, by habituating men to reliance upon argument, discussion, and persuasion. 约翰·杜威. 民主与教育.
• Since she cares so little for me as to care nothing for undermining my respectability, she shall go her way and I will go mine. 查尔斯·狄更斯. 我们共同的朋友.
• A similar undermining process was going on throughout Europe during the Great Power period of 1848-1914. 赫伯特·乔治·威尔斯. 世界史纲.
• When trade is bad, there's more undermining of health, and preparation for death, going on among you Milton men than you're aware of. 伊丽莎白·盖斯凯尔. 南方与北方.
• Mr. Howe's own book undermines his conclusions. 沃尔特·李普曼. 政治序论.

录入:萨姆纳