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undermine self-esteem

[ˌʌndərˈmaɪn ˌsɛlfˈɛstim]
verb phrase
minar a autoestima
1. To gradually weaken or damage someone's confidence in their own abilities, worth, or value
Constant criticism can undermine self-esteem in children.
A crítica constante pode minar a autoestima em crianças.
2. To cause someone to doubt their own competence or personal value
His negative comments undermined her self-esteem.
Os seus comentários negativos minaram a autoestima dela.
Synonyms
erode confidencedamage self-worthweaken confidencediminish self-imagelower moraleshake confidence
Antonyms
build self-esteemboost confidenceenhance self-worthstrengthen self-imageempower

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
minar a autoestima
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
abalar a autoestima
Alternative phrasing meaning to shake or disturb self-esteem
São Paulo
prejudicar a autoestima
Alternative meaning to harm or damage self-esteem
Portugal
minar a autoconfiança
Portuguese variant using 'autoconfiança' instead of 'autoestima'

Related Idioms & Phrases

knock someone's confidence
take someone down a peg
diminish someone's worth
eat away at someone's confidence
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