DETERIORATE


Meaning of DETERIORATE in English

də̇ˈtirēəˌrāt, dēˈ-, chiefly in substand speech -irēˌāt sometimes -irəˌrāt; usu -ād.+V verb

( -ed/-ing/-s )

Etymology: Late Latin deterioratus, past participle of deteriorare, from Latin deterior worse, from de down, away + -ter (suffix as in Latin uter which of two) + -ior (comparative suffix) — more at de- , whether , er

transitive verb

: to make inferior in quality or value : impair

laxity deteriorates discipline

intransitive verb

: to grow worse

the weather had deteriorated during the night — Nevil Shute

: become impaired in quality, state, or condition : degenerate

idle houses deteriorate

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.