Deteriorate Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of DETERIORATE

1

[no object]

:

to become worse as time passes

• The weather gradually deteriorated [=_worsened_] as the day went on.
• Her health continues to deteriorate. [=_decline_]
• efforts to save a deteriorating rain forest
• The disagreement deteriorated into a fight. [=the disagreement got worse and eventually became a fight]

2

[+ object]

:

to make (something) worse

• Exposure to rain and sun will gradually deteriorate the paint.

• a deteriorated [=_run-down, dilapidated_] building

• a badly deteriorated part of the city