B2verbnaturehealth
US/dɪˈkeɪ/
UK/dɪˈkeɪ/
to be slowly destroyed by natural processes, or to become weaker and worse over time
In context
Fallen leaves decay quickly in the hot, wet weather of the Mekong Delta.
Sugary drinks can cause your teeth to decay if you don't brush properly.
The old cinema was left to decay after it closed in the 1990s.
Words that go with decay
verb + preposition
- decay intoOver time, the fallen trees decay into rich soil.
adjective + noun
- decaying leavesThe forest floor was covered in decaying leaves.
- decaying teethThe dentist said I had two decaying teeth.
verb + adverb
- decay rapidlyFruit decays rapidly in tropical heat.
- decay quicklyFish decays quickly if it isn't kept on ice.
adverb + verb
- slowly decayThe wooden boats slowly decayed on the empty beach.