Geological Erosion Vocabulary

verb to break or fall apart into small fragments or pieces

adjective in the process of breaking or falling apart

• The ancient ruins were slowly crumbling due to years of erosion.
• The old house is crumbling apart, it needs some serious repairs.
• The relationship was already crumbling before they broke up.
• Her confidence was crumbling under the pressure of the competition.

verb to strip something of its covering, possessions, or assets

• The deforestation of the area will denude the land of its natural beauty.
• If you keep cutting down trees, you'll denude the whole forest!
• I can't believe they denuded the park for that new shopping mall.
• Her harsh words seemed to denude him of all confidence.

noun the act of making a series of soft explosive or spitting sounds

verb to make a series of soft explosive or spitting sounds

adjective making a series of soft explosive or spitting sounds

• The engineer noticed that the sputtering sound coming from the machine indicated a potential issue with the motor.
• I could hear the sputtering noise from my car as I tried to start it this morning.
• The old motorcycle was sputtering like crazy until I gave it a good kick.
• The team's performance was sputtering in the first half, but they managed to pick up the pace in the second.

noun a gradual process of deterioration or weakening

verb to gradually reduce or diminish in strength or effectiveness

• Over time, the constant friction can wear down the surface of the metal.
• If you keep using that old pair of shoes, they're going to wear down pretty quickly.
• I need to get some new tires for my car, these ones are starting to wear down.
• The stress of work and family responsibilities can wear down even the strongest individuals.