rot

verb
UK: /rɒt/
US: /rɑːt/

  1. To decay or decompose, especially by the action of bacteria or fungi.

    1. The fruit will rot if you don't eat it soon. [ ] [ ]
    2. The old wooden fence began to rot after years of exposure to the elements. [ ] [ ]

  2. To gradually weaken or deteriorate, often morally or spiritually.

    1. Spending too much time online can make your brain rot. [ ] [ ]
    2. His soul began to rot from the constant pursuit of power and wealth. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

decay decompose spoil corruption decline deterioration
rot noun

  1. The process or state of decaying or decomposing.

    1. The rot in the wood made it unusable. [ ] [ ]
    2. The smell of rot was strong near the garbage bins behind the restaurant. [ ] [ ]

  2. Moral or spiritual decay; corruption.

    1. There is a deep rot in the country's political system. [ ] [ ]
    2. He felt a growing sense of rot consuming the values he once held dear. [ ] [ ]
rot adjective

  1. Bad or worthless.

    1. Don't talk such rot! [ ] [ ]
    2. I think his ideas about the economy are complete rot and won't help anyone. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "rot" in English means: To decay or decompose, especially by the action of bacteria or fungi., To gradually weaken or deteriorate, often morally or spiritually..

The phonetic transcription of "rot" is /rɒt/ in British English and /rɑːt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "rot": decay, decompose, spoil, corruption, decline, deterioration.

Example usage of "rot": "The fruit will rot if you don't eat it soon.". More examples on the page.