corrosion

The gradual damage to a material caused by chemical reactions, such as metal turning to rust.

• The pipes showed signs of corrosion.
• Salt water speeds up corrosion on steel.
• This coating protects the metal against corrosion.

Common phrases: metal corrosion, prevent corrosion, corrosion resistance, surface corrosion

The slow weakening or destruction of something important, such as trust or shared values.

• The scandal caused a corrosion of trust.
• She warned against the corrosion of democratic values.
• Years of broken promises led to a slow corrosion of confidence.

How to use it: corrosion of something (Repeated lies caused a corrosion of public trust.)

Similar words: erosion, undermining, deterioration

Common phrases: corrosion of trust, corrosion of values, gradual corrosion