cor ‧ rode /kəˈrəʊd $ -ˈroʊd/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive and transitive]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: corrodere 'to eat away' , from com- ( ⇨ COM- ) + rodere ( , ↑ rodent ) ]
1 . if metal corrodes, or if something corrodes it, it is slowly destroyed by the effect of water, chemicals etc:
Acidic water will corrode the pipes.
2 . written to gradually make something weaker or destroy it completely:
Corruption has corroded our confidence in the police force.