corrode

verb

cor·rode kə-ˈrōd

corroded; corroding

Synonyms of corrode next

transitive verb

: to eat away by degrees as if by gnawing

especially : to wear away gradually usually by chemical action

the metal was corroded beyond repair

: to weaken or destroy gradually : undermine

manners and miserliness that corrode the human spirit—

Bernard De Voto

intransitive verb

: to undergo corrosion

corrodible

kə-ˈrō-də-bəl

adjective

Did you know?

Corrode comes from Latin corrodere ("to gnaw to pieces"), a combination of the prefix "cor-" (used here as an intensifier with the meaning of "completely") and the verb "rodere" ("to gnaw"). At one time, "corrode" was used to literally indicate the action of gnawing away, as in "woodworms corroded the wood." But it is the more figurative senses from the action of gnawing or eating away that have persisted, as in "salt water corroded the iron" or "graphic content on television and the Internet is corroding the moral fabric of society."

Example Sentences

Rainwater may corrode the steel containers. Over time, the pipes become corroded and need to be replaced. After a few weeks in the ocean, the boat began to corrode. Years of lies and secrets had corroded their relationship.

Recent Examples on the Web Hard to break windows In 2009, Chrysler LLC recalled about 17,000 Journeys because an unused electrical connector could corrode and short circuit, potentially causing a fire, according to NHTSA documents. —

CBS News, 5 May 2023 The metal rivets holding it in place corroded as well. —

Andrea Vacchiano, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Subaru is recalling certain 2019-2022 Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles because the harness terminal that supplies low-voltage power from the converter to the 12-Volt battery may corrode and break, preventing the vehicle from charging and cause a loss of drive power. —

Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2023 The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse. —

Detroit Free Press, 12 Aug. 2022 The stainless steel appliance includes a reversible grill/griddle and the burners are made from brass, which can withstand high temperatures and won’t corrode. —

Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 8 Feb. 2023 Saltwater hitting the statue’s iron skeleton and copper skin set up a galvanic cell, Ramirez says, an electrochemical reaction that caused the copper to corrode. —

Kate Greene, Discover Magazine, 26 Sep. 2012 Honda is recalling 563,711 older-model CR-Vs in 22 cold-weather states and Washington, D.C., because an accumulation of road salt can cause the vehicle's rear trailing arm to corrode and detach, which could lead to a crash. —

Rob Wile, NBC News, 6 Apr. 2023 The Stanford study adds weight to the perception that Trump and candidates in his thrall will suffer for perpetuating their con and corroding our system of democracy, and that’s a good thing. —

Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'corrode.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English corroden, borrowed from Latin corrōdere "to gnaw, chew up," from cor-, variant before r of com- com- + rōdere "to gnaw, nibble, eat away" — more at rodent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of corrode was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century