erosion
UK: ɪˈrəʊʒən | US: ɪˈroʊʒən
n. the process of eroding or being eroded by wind, water, or other natural agents
n. the gradual destruction or diminution of something abstract (e.g., trust, rights)
erosion = e<away> + ros<gnaw> + ion<noun suffix>
- e (prefix): From Latin ex-, meaning "away" or "out."
- ros (root): From Latin rodere, meaning "to gnaw" or "wear away."
- ion (suffix): Forms nouns indicating action or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word erosion traces back to Latin erosio ("a gnawing away"), derived from erodere (e- "away" + rodere "to gnaw"). It originally described physical wear (e.g., by water or wind) and later extended metaphorically to abstract concepts like societal decay. The root ros appears in related words like corrode (completely gnaw) and rodent (gnawing animal).
Coastal erosion threatens homes near the cliff edges.
The erosion of democracy concerns many citizens.
Acid rain accelerates soil erosion in forests.
Overfarming led to severe erosion of fertile land.
The statue showed signs of erosion after centuries of exposure.