切り崩す

• 読み: きりくずす
• ローマ字: kirikuzusu
• 漢字の分解: 切 (setsu/ki) — cut; 崩 (hou) — collapse, crumble, break down
• 発音: /ki.ɾi.kɯ.zɯ.sɯ/

意味

To break down bit by bit; to wear away; to undermine; to gradually chip away at an opposing majority, resistance, or position.

A Group 1 (godan) verb used in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it describes the erosion or cutting away of earth, rock, or a physical structure. Figuratively, it is commonly used in politics and business to describe gradually winning over opponents or eroding a rival's numerical or strategic advantage. The process implied is persistent and cumulative rather than sudden, distinguishing it from 崩壊させる (to cause to collapse) or 倒す (to knock over).

例文

1. 野党は地道な説得工作で与党側の議員を少しずつ切り崩していった。
2. 大雨による土砂が斜面を切り崩し、道路が完全に通行不能となった。
3. 相手の主張の矛盾を一つずつ突くことで、弁護士は証人の証言を切り崩した。

使い方ガイド

場面: politics, law, geology, strategy, negotiation

トーン: neutral

起源と歴史

Compound of 切る (to cut) and 崩す (to break down, to crumble). The image is of cutting into a structure and causing it to erode or collapse section by section.

文化的背景

時代: Modern

世代: Adults

社会的背景: All classes