rot
Third Person
rots
Present Participle
rotting
Past Tense
rotted
Past Participle
rotted
1
to become destroyed, often due to the action of bacteria or fungi over time
- If not refrigerated, food can quickly rot.
- The damp wood is currently rotting in the neglected shed.
- The fruit has already rotten on the tree, attracting insects.
- The fallen tree was rotting away, returning nutrients to the soil.
- The neglected vegetables in the compost bin are currently rotting, turning into nutrient-rich soil.
2
to deteriorate and go to ruin due to neglect
- The neglectful landlord allowed the once-grand mansion to rot, leaving it to decay and crumble into ruins.
- Without proper care, the neglected garden rotted into a tangled mess of weeds and overgrown plants.
- The abandoned factory rotted, its windows shattered and its machinery rusted.
- The wooden fence, left untreated and exposed to the elements, rotted and collapsed.
Synonyms: