zersetzt
Translation
decomposes, corrodes, decomposed, subverts
Examples
Säure zersetzt das Metall.
Acid decomposes the metal.
Das organische Material wird zersetzt.
The organic material is being decomposed.
Die Moral der Gruppe war zersetzt.
The group's morale was subverted.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to decompose sth. Acid decomposes the metal.
((to be)) ((decomposed)) to be decomposed The material is being decomposed.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to dissolve, to rot, to corrode; Antonyms: to compose, to build
Etymology
From the prefix zer- (apart) + setzen (to set, to place). Literally 'to set apart', which leads to 'disintegrate' or 'decompose'.
Memory Tips
Think of something being 'set' (setzen) 'apart' (zer-) into its basic components, like in a chemical reaction.