decay
Translation
to rot, to decompose, to decline
Examples
Sugar makes your teeth decay.
Sugar makes your teeth decay.
The old building is starting to decay.
The old building is starting to decay.
Support for the party began to decay.
Support for the party began to decay.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to rot or decompose. The fruit will decay if you leave it out.
Similar Words
Synonyms: rot, decompose, spoil; Antonyms: grow, flourish
Etymology
From Latin 'de-' (down) + 'cadere' (to fall). Literally 'to fall down'.
Memory Tips
Think of a tooth 'decaying' or 'falling down' piece by piece.