This is the 7468th most frequent Dutch word.
brokkelt
"Brokkelt" means "crumbles" in English.
Here, 'brokkelt' describes the gradual physical disintegration of a structure, emphasizing a process over time.
De oude muur brokkelt langzaam af.
The old wall slowly crumbles.
In this sentence, 'brokkelt' is used metaphorically to describe the diminishing or eroding of trust, abstract rather than physical.
Zijn vertrouwen in het systeem brokkelt steeds verder af.
His trust in the system continues to crumble.
Again used literally, 'brokkelt' refers to the breaking down of a material substance, but here denoting a specific object in focus.