decay, decompose, rot, putrefy, spoil mean to undergo destructive dissolution. decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection.

Look up decay in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

The city's neighborhoods are in slow decay. She wants to restore an old theater that is falling into decay. [=falling into ruin]

The bacteria live on food particles and produce acid that decays the enamel on your teeth. The flesh on a dead body decays very rapidly. It's sad to watch a beautiful rose wither and decay in …

Decay is also a noun. When not removed, plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease.

Decay has wide application but often suggests partial deterioration short of complete destruction: "A decaying dam is an accident waiting to happen" (George Black).

Jun 25, 2025 · decay (countable and uncountable, plural decays) (ecology, medicine) The process or result of being gradually decomposed; rot, decomposition.

To decay means to rot, decompose, break down. Our bodies—anything organic—will decay after death. Broken sidewalks, potholes, graffiti are all signs of urban decay. Tooth decay is …

Some common synonyms of decay are decompose, putrefy, rot, and spoil. While all these words mean "to undergo destructive dissolution," decay implies a slow change from a state of …

To gradually deteriorate or decompose, often resulting in the loss of structure, functionality, or vitality over time. "The old wooden fence began to decay after years of exposure to the …