undercut
UK: ˈʌndəkʌt | US: ˈʌndərkʌt
vt. 1. to sell goods or services at a lower price than a competitor
vt. 2. to weaken or undermine (e.g., authority, efforts)
n. 1. a cut made in the lower part of something
n. 2. (chiefly British) a tenderloin cut of beef
The word "undercut" combines "under" (Old English under, meaning "beneath") and "cut" (Old English cyttan, meaning "to divide with a sharp tool"). Originally literal (e.g., cutting beneath a tree branch), it evolved metaphorically in commerce (16th century) to describe underbidding rivals. The sense of "undermining" emerged later, reflecting the logic of weakening from below.
The new store undercut local businesses by offering massive discounts.
His harsh criticism undercut her confidence before the presentation.
The sculptor made an undercut to create a shadow effect.
She ordered an undercut steak at the British pub.
Political scandals undercut public trust in the government.