Dictionary

Definition of Decay

• (v. i.) To pass gradually from a sound, prosperous, or perfect state, to one of imperfection, adversity, or dissolution; to waste away; to decline; to fail; to become weak, corrupt, or disintegrated; to rot; to perish; as, a tree decays; fortunes decay; hopes decay.
• (v. t.) To cause to decay; to impair.
• (v. t.) To destroy.
• (n.) Gradual failure of health, strength, soundness, prosperity, or of any species of excellence or perfection; tendency toward dissolution or extinction; corruption; rottenness; decline; deterioration; as, the decay of the body; the decay of virtue; the decay of the Roman empire; a castle in decay.
• (n.) Destruction; death.
• (n.) Cause of decay.

Synonyms of Decay

• Disintegration
• Decomposition
• Radioactive Decay
• Decline
• Fall
• Downslope
• Descent
• Declension
• Declivity
• Declination
• Diminution
• Chemical Decomposition Reaction
• Putrefaction
• Vector Decomposition
• Rot
• Rotting
• Decomposition Reaction
• Annihilation
• Dissolution
• Break Down
• Break Up
• Moulder
• Disintegrate
• Decompose
• Molder
• Dilapidate
• Crumble
• Crumple
• Tumble
• Collapse
• Fall Apart
• Corrupt
• Putrefy
• Spoil
• Change Integrity

Antonyms of Decay

Homophones of Decay