Decay — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Decay
Decay (verb)
- to undergo decomposition
- to decline in health, strength, or vigor
- to fall into ruin
Decay (noun)
- rot; specifically, aerobic decomposition of proteins chiefly by bacteria
- the product of decay
- gradual decline in strength, soundness, or prosperity or in degree of excellence or perfection
Decay (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body
"middle-aged people who fervently hope that daily exercise will arrest the physical decay that usually accompanies advancing age"
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the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances
"the cycle by which the decay of dead plants on the forest floor provides soil and nutrients for the next generation of plants"
Decay (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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to go through decomposition
"the logs decayed on the rain forest floor"
"the atom of plutonium decayed in the test chamber"
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to become worse or of less value
"the restaurant's standards for food and service had decayed over the years"
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to lose bodily strength or vigor
"having reached her 80s, the woman could sense that her body was decaying"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Decay
The most common words with a similar meaning to Decay:
Antonyms & Opposite Words for Decay
Words with the opposite meaning of Decay:
Near Antonyms of Decay
Word Forms of Decay
Inflections: decayed, decaying, decays
Derived words: decayer (noun)
Origin & Etymology of Decay
Middle English, from Anglo-French decaïr, from Late Latin decadere to fall, sink, from Latin de- + cadere to fall chance
First known use: 15th centuryi
Words & Phrases Containing Decay
Frequently Asked Questions about Decay
What does "Decay" mean?
"Decay" means to undergo decomposition. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to undergo decomposition. It has 5 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Decay"?
Other words for "Decay" include debilitation, decaying, declension, decline, degeneration, descent, deterioration and ebbing. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Decay" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Decay"?
There are 101 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Decay". Common alternatives include debilitation, decaying, declension, decline, degeneration, descent, deterioration, ebbing, enfeeblement and weakening.
What is the opposite of "Decay"?
Antonyms of "Decay" include comeback, improvement, rally, recovery, recuperation, rehabilitation, revitalization and snapback. Near antonyms include invigoration, strengthening, progress and rejuvenation.
How do you use "Decay" in a sentence?
Examples of "Decay" in a sentence: "middle-aged people who fervently hope that daily exercise will arrest the physical decay that usually accompanies advancing age"; "the cycle by which the decay of dead plants on the forest floor provides soil and nutrients for the next generation of plants"; "the logs decayed on the rain forest floor".
Is "Decay" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Decay" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.
How do you pronounce "Decay"?
"Decay" is pronounced /di-ˈkā/ and divided into syllables as de·cay.
What is the origin of the word "Decay"?
"Decay" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French decaïr, from Late Latin decadere to fall, sink, from Latin de- + cadere to fall chance. First known use: 15th centuryi.