e ‧ rode AC /ɪˈrəʊd $ ɪˈroʊd/ BrE AmE verb ( also erode away ) [intransitive and transitive]
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ erode ; noun : ↑ erosion ]
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: erodere 'to eat away' , from rodere ; ⇨ ↑ rodent ]
1 . if the weather erodes rock or soil, or if rock or soil erodes, its surface is gradually destroyed:
The cliffs are being constantly eroded by heavy seas.
The rocks have gradually eroded away.
2 . to gradually reduce something such as someone’s power or confidence:
Our personal freedom is being gradually eroded away.
Repeated exam failure had eroded her confidence.