cor·rode [ kə rṓd ](past and past participlecor·rod·ed, present participlecor·rod·ing, 3rd person present singularcor·rodes)
verb
Definition:
1. transitive and intransitive verb destroy progressively by chemical action: to destroy something progressively by chemical action, or be destroyed in this way
2. transitive verb undermine: to undermine or destroy something gradually The constant criticism has corroded the candidate's public image.
[14th century. < Latin corrodere "gnaw away" < rodere "gnaw"]
