To rot or cause to rot
“Masses of leaves may begin to decay and smother the plant beneath them.”
To decline gradually in health, prosperity, or quality
“The result is that property has been allowed to decay and is occupied almost entirely by people who cannot pay any heavy rents.”
To deplete, or be depleted, in physical strength or energy
“Flowers decay much sooner when tied in bunches or bouquets than when arranged loosely.”
To wear away or destroy gradually
To damage, or cause to become damaged, through continued use
To have a severely detrimental effect on
The state or process of rotting or decomposition
“When an organism dies, oxidation reactions are responsible for the decay of the organic matter.”
A deterioration or worsening in condition, structure or quality
“The early designers of urban-aid programs saw inner-city decay as more than just an economic matter.”
The progressive destruction of a tooth by decay
“A sticky toffee, for example, will lead to tooth decay more readily than the same amount of sugar taken in a drink.”
The state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect
The gradual destruction or diminution of something
Any of a number of fungal or bacterial diseases that cause tissue deterioration
Behavior that is considered immoral or wicked
The quality of being weakly
Foul matter, especially dirt, which soils or defiles
The act or process of contaminating
A lack of success
A failure to function in an expected or complete manner
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