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to decay
01
to be gradually damaged or destroyed as a result of natural processes
1.1
(of a structure or an area) to become worse gradually
Example
Without proper maintenance, the historic church began to decay.
In the absence of regular upkeep, the wooden pier decayed.
Over the years, the abandoned house decayed, its walls crumbling and its roof sagging.
As economic opportunities dwindled, the industrial district decayed, with factories closing down and infrastructure falling into disrepair.
02
to cause gradual destruction or damage of something
03
(of a radioactive substance) undergoe fission or emits radiation, resulting in the transformation of its atomic nucleus into a different element or isotope
Decay
01
a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current
02
the process of gradually becoming inferior
03
the organic phenomenon of rotting
04
the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation
05
an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying
Example
The old building is currently decaying due to weathering.
The untreated metal was decaying slowly in the corrosive environment.
The fallen leaves have decayed, enriching the soil with nutrients.
Over the years, the ancient ruins decayed into partial structures.
Wood can decay if left untreated and exposed to moisture.
