verb
erode
ih-ROHD
Erode (verb) means to gradually wear away, especially by water, wind, or chemical action. Example: “The cliffs have been eroding steadily for centuries.”
verb
1
To gradually wear away, especially by water, wind, or chemical action.
"The cliffs have been eroding steadily for centuries."
"Acid rain erodes stone monuments over time."
2
To gradually weaken or destroy something over time.
"Years of scandal eroded the public's trust in the government."
How to use erode
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo wear something away slowly — used both literally (rock, soil) and figuratively (trust, support, value).
Common pairings
erode trust
erode the coastline
erode confidence
erode support
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- erodes
- Past tense
- eroded
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Acid rain _____ stone monuments over time.
Etymology
From French éroder, from Latin ērōdere, "to gnaw away."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for erode
See all rhymes for erode →Frequently asked questions
What does “erode” mean?
The word “erode” means to gradually wear away, especially by water, wind, or chemical action. In plain terms, to wear something away slowly — used both literally (rock, soil) and figuratively (trust, support, value).
How do you pronounce “erode”?
“Erode” is pronounced ih-ROHD (/ɪˈɹoʊd/ in IPA).
How do you use “erode” in a sentence?
Here is “erode” used in a sentence: “Acid rain erodes stone monuments over time.”
What part of speech is “erode”?
“Erode” is a verb.
Where does the word “erode” come from?
The word “erode” comes from Latin. From French éroder, from Latin ērōdere, "to gnaw away.".
How many meanings does “erode” have?
“Erode” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to gradually wear away, especially by water, wind, or chemical action.
