decay
Translation
to rot, to decompose, to decline
Examples
The old wooden bridge is starting to decay.
The old wooden bridge is starting to decay.
Sugar makes your teeth decay.
Sugar makes your teeth decay.
The country's influence has decayed over time.
The country's influence has decayed over time.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) decays to rot or decompose The fruit began to decay.
Similar Words
Synonyms: rot, decompose, deteriorate; Antonyms: grow, flourish
Etymology
From Latin 'de-' (down, away from) + 'cadere' (to fall). Literally 'to fall down/away'.
Memory Tips
Imagine something 'falling down' into pieces. A decaying building is falling apart. It applies to both physical and abstract things.