Decays

The verb "decays" (present tense of "decay") describes the process of something gradually deteriorating or breaking down due to natural processes like oxidation, rot, or the passage of time. It implies a loss of quality, strength, or usefulness. This can apply to both physical objects, like food or buildings, and abstract concepts, such as relationships or moral standards. The rate of decay varies depending on the object and environmental factors. The process often leads to a reduction in size or quantity, and a change in the original structure or composition. Often, the outcome of something decaying is a loss of function and a general breakdown of the whole structure.

Decays meaning with examples

• The abandoned house, exposed to years of harsh weather, slowly decays. Rain leached into the wooden frame, and the paint peeled from the siding, while the roof sagged precariously, with the entire building crumbling. Nature was reclaiming its territory, its slow and unstoppable forces gradually reducing the structure to rubble, leaving the home a shadow of what it once was.
• Without proper preservation, the ancient scrolls **decay**. The parchment grows brittle, the ink fades, and the pages crumble when touched. Over time, the writing, a precious record of history, disappears forever. Humidity, insects, and sunlight each contribute to the irreversible degradation, making their protection crucial to future understanding.
• Political stability, if unattended, decays over time. The populace loses faith, corruption spreads, and societal divisions deepen. The fabric of society unravels when strong leadership is absent, and these processes will continue to erode until reform happens. This breakdown can ultimately lead to chaos and conflict when these issues grow out of control.
• The fresh apple decays if left out on the counter. It slowly becomes soft, brown spots appear, and the smell changes, signaling bacterial and fungal invasion. The sweetness turns to rot as the enzymes break down the cellular structure of the fruit, returning it to the ground.