Decay

Decay - Other Definitions

• (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.