To pass gradually from a sound or perfect state to a less perfect state, or toward weakness or dissolution; fall into an inferior condition or state; specifically, become decomposed or corrupted; rot.Synonyms Putrefy, Corrupt, etc. See rot.To cause to become unsound or impaired; cause to deteriorate; impair; bring to a worse state.n. Gradual loss of soundness or perfection; a falling by degrees into an impaired condition or state; impairment in general; loss of strength, health, intellect, etc.n. Specifically Decomposition; putrefaction; rot.n. 3. Death; dissolution.n. . A disease; especially, consumption.n. . A cause of decay.n. Loss of fortune or property; misfortune; ruin : applied to persons.n. . plural Ruins.n. Synonyms Decline, decadence, deterioration, degeneracy, withering.