godan verb (-mu), transitive verb, intransitive verb
be worm-eaten; be eaten by worms
Literal sense: wood, books, or organic matter being damaged by worms or insects. Often used in the passive or resultative form 蝕まれる.
古い本が虫に蝕まれている。
The old book is being eaten by insects.
柱がシロアリに蝕まれて、家が傾いた。
The pillars were eaten by termites, and the house tilted.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb, intransitive verb
undermine; gnaw at; eat into; spoil; ruin
Figurative use: something gradually damages or destroys health, mind, relationships, organizations, etc. Common with 心, 体, 健康, 精神, 社会.
ストレスが彼の健康を蝕んでいる。
Stress is undermining his health.
嫉妬が心を蝕んでいく。
Jealousy gnaws at the heart.
不正が組織を蝕んでいる。
Corruption is eating into the organization.