decay

Definition

  • verb: to be slowly destroyed by natural processes
  • verb: to decline from a sound or prosperous condition
  • synonyms: decline, fail, rot

Examples

  • She wants to restore an old theater that is 'falling into decay'. [=falling into ruin]

  • We're concerned about the 'decay' [='deterioration'] of our public school system.

  • Tomatoes that fall off the vine will 'decay' [='rot'] on the ground.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) Winston... You are thinking that my face is old and tired, that while I talk of power, I am unable to prevent the decay of my own body. But the individual is only a cell, Winston. The weariness of the cell is the vigour of the organism. - You'll fail. - Why? It's impossible. (..)
    1984 1984