corrode

The definition of corrode is to wear away slowly by rusting or with a chemical reaction, or to cause to deteriorate.

(verb)

An example of corrode is for a metal to get damaged by rust when wet for a long period of time.
An example of corrode is for relations between two countries to become difficult after years of bad interactions.

See corrode in Webster's New World College Dictionary

to eat into or wear away gradually, as by rusting or by the action of chemicals
to work upon insidiously and cause to deteriorate: a heart corroded by bitterness

Origin: ME corroden < OFr corroder < L corrodere, to gnaw to pieces < com-, intens. + rodere, to gnaw: see rat

intransitive verb

to become corroded

Related Forms:

See corrode in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb cor·rod·ed, cor·rod·ing, cor·rodes

verb, transitive

To destroy a metal or alloy gradually, especially by oxidation or chemical action: acid corroding metal.
To impair steadily; deteriorate: “Doubt and mistrust could creep into our lives, corroding personal and professional relationships” (Philip Taubman).

verb, intransitive

To be eaten or worn away.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English corroden

Origin: , from Latin corrōdere, to gnaw away

Origin: : com-, intensive pref.; see com-

Origin: + rōdere, to gnaw; see rēd- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: