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