Decay Definition & Meaning

decay
noun
  1. the process of gradually becoming inferior
  2. a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current
  3. the organic phenomenon of rotting
  4. an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying; "the corpse was in an advanced state of decay"; "the house had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair"
  5. the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation
verb
  1. lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current; "the particles disintegrated during the nuclear fission process"
  2. fall into decay or ruin; "The unoccupied house started to decay"
  3. undergo decay or decomposition; "The body started to decay and needed to be cremated"

Synonyms for decay

crumble verb

fall apart; "the building crumbled after the explosion"; "Negotiations broke down" break or fall apart into fragments

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
decline noun

change toward something smaller or lower a condition inferior to an earlier condition

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
decompose verb

separate (substances) into constituent elements or parts lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
decomposition noun

the analysis of a vector field in a decomposed state (chemistry) separation of a substance into two or more substances

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
disintegrate verb

break into parts or components or lose cohesion or unity; "The material disintegrated

♫ Rhymes
disintegration noun

in a decomposed state a loss (or serious disruption) of organization in some system

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms

"Decay" in song lyrics

See how decay is used in real songs:

  • "You know the old krumbsnatcha's in this land of decay"
    — Remind My Soul
  • "Holding remains of 2nd hand decay"
    Almighty f/ 60 Second Assassin — Dead Flowers
  • "this country guilty of neglect see the decay"
    Big Quarters — August

Words that rhyme with decay

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Usage tips for "decay"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "decay" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for decay to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with decay ↔ Synonyms for decay 🔬 Words containing decay

Frequently asked questions

What does decay mean?
the process of gradually becoming inferior a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current the organic phenomenon of rotting an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying; "the corpse was in an advanced state of decay"; "the house had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair" the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current
What part of speech is decay?
Decay is a noun and a verb.
How many definitions does decay have?
Decay has 8 definitions across 2 parts of speech (noun, verb).

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