Bernard De Voto
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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."
Examples of corrode in a Sentence
Jon Riches, Oc Register, 27 June 2025
An appeals court said residents can pursue a class-action lawsuit against the city of Miramar and a consultant over water that allegedly corroded copper pipes at homes.
—News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 7 May 2025
Heavy metal pots are corroded almost to the point of disintegration, while nearby playing cards — the four of hearts, ace of spades and nine of diamonds — appear untouched.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 July 2025
The Trump administration’s proximity to conspiracy theorizing also corrodes its relationship to intelligence.
—David V. Gioe, Foreign Affairs, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for corrode
Cite this Entry
“Corrode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corrode. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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corrode
verb
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