腐蚀

腐蚀 refers to the process of gradual destruction or decay, typically caused by chemical reactions. It is most commonly used to describe the deterioration of materials like metal, but can also be used metaphorically to describe moral or spiritual decline.

The character 腐 (fǔ) originally meant decay or rot, while 蚀 (shí) means to erode or wear away. Together, they convey the idea of a slow, destructive process that weakens or breaks down something over time.

Corrosion is often discussed in engineering and environmental contexts. In daily life, it can also be used figuratively, such as in phrases like “腐蚀心灵” (corrode the heart/mind), to describe negative influences on one's values or emotions.