What is the Meaning & Definition of undermining

The term undermine can take on two forms be used, one literal and other metaphorical. In any case, the word undermine is a verb referring to the Act which removed something that stands to something else. The Act of undermining is normally directed, non-accidental and can be generated for many reasons. It is also common to speak of works of undermining that will mean infrastructure which takes off, removed the support of Earth to make holes or voids in the soil. In practical terms, the Act of undermining or perform an undermining supposed to dig something without that excavation involves the destruction or total alteration of that object. Thus, for example ground, undermined a hollow becomes below the surface while it disappears or becomes completely altered. It is important to point out that in this sense, i.e. in the literal sense, the word undermine is widely used in the field of engineering and construction is a very common activity which depends on the construction or the construction of new underground land. Many times, when the Act of undermining is carried out in a reckless manner, accidents, deslizamimentos of land and even landslides causing major damage can be generated. This is understandable if it is understood that an erosion would be removing the bases of support for the object or area in question.
On the other hand, the term is often also used in metaphorical sense to refer to the meticulous, designed and programmed action that a person can bring against another. So, undermine the fortress, self-esteem, reputation, the psyche of a person means to do prolonged work based on the denigration, in aggression, criticism, in contempt for what that person means or represents. This attitude is very common in the workplace when there is a clear and strong competition for positions and is "undermined" the reputation or the trajectory of a person in order that it not accessible to a better or higher position.