eroding

UK: ɪˈrəʊdɪŋ | US: ɪˈroʊdɪŋ

Definition

  1. vt. (present participle of "erode")

    1. To gradually wear away or destroy by natural forces (e.g., water, wind).
    1. To gradually reduce or weaken something abstract (e.g., trust, authority).
Structure
e <away>rod <gnaw>ing <present participle suffix>
Etymology

eroding = e<away> + rod<gnaw> + ing<present participle suffix>

  • e (prefix): From Latin "ex-" meaning "away" or "out."
  • rod (root): From Latin "rodere," meaning "to gnaw."
  • ing (suffix): English present participle marker indicating ongoing action.

Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin "erodere" (e- "away" + rodere "gnaw"), originally describing physical wear (e.g., water gnawing at rock). Over time, it expanded metaphorically to abstract weakening (e.g., "eroding confidence"). The "-ing" suffix adapts it to describe continuous action in English.

Examples

  1. The river is eroding the limestone cliffs over centuries.

  2. Corruption has been eroding public trust in the government.

  3. Acid rain accelerates the process of eroding marble statues.

  4. His constant criticism is eroding her self-esteem.

  5. Coastal communities face threats from eroding shorelines.