Erode
/ɪˈroʊd/
Definitions
To gradually wear away (soil, rock, or land) by wind, water, or other natural agents; to gradually destroy or weaken (something).
/ɪˈroʊd/
To gradually wear away or diminish
The rain and wind began to erode the sandstone cliffs.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're eating a cookie, and with each bite, a little bit of it disappears. Erode is like that, but it applies to things like land getting worn down by wind or water, or even someone's feelings getting worn down by sadness.
👶 For kids: To slowly wear away, like when the wind blows away the sand on a sandcastle.
More Examples
Years of neglect had eroded the building's foundations.
The scandal eroded the public's trust in the government.
Constant stress can erode your health.
How It's Used
"The river's current eroded the riverbank over time."
"Constant criticism eroded her self-confidence."
From Latin *ērodere* ('to gnaw away'), from *e-* ('out') + *rodere* ('to gnaw').
The word "erode" has been used since the late 16th century, initially with a focus on physical destruction caused by the elements.