degenerate
Translation
to worsen, to deteriorate, to decline
Examples
The debate degenerated into a shouting match.
The debate degenerated into a shouting match.
His health has degenerated rapidly.
His health has degenerated rapidly.
Grammar Patterns
((into sth.)) to change to a worse state or condition The debate degenerated into a shouting match.
(no object) to get worse His health has degenerated rapidly.
Similar Words
Synonyms: deteriorate, decline, worsen; Antonyms: improve, progress
Etymology
From Latin 'degenerare' (to fall from the ancestral quality), from 'de-' (down, away from) + 'genus' (race, kind).
Memory Tips
Break it down: 'de-' means 'down' and 'generate' means 'create'. So, it's like being 'created downwards' or becoming worse.