verb
sap
To gradually weaken or undermine something.
The long illness saps her strength and makes walking difficult.
Etymology
The French military verb concerns digging beneath defenses. English generalized that undermining to the gradual weakening of strength, confidence, or resources.
More examples
- Repeated delays sapped our enthusiasm.
- Heat was sapping the workers' energy.
- Their confidence had been sapped by constant criticism.
Forms
sap · saps · sapped · sapping
Similar words
- drain
- Emphasizes removing energy or resources rather than undermining support.
- weaken
- Weaken lacks the suggestion of gradual draining.