decompose

Verb

Meaning

To separate the constituent parts of; to resolve into original elements; to set free from previously existing forms of chemical combination; to bring to dissolution; to rot or decay.

To become resolved or returned from existing combinations; to undergo dissolution; to decay; to rot.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

decay break down rot disintegrate molder moulder separate corrupt dissolve degrade deteriorate spoil crumble fall apart putrefy
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Antonyms

last age develop improve composition grow
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Hypernyms

separate decay change integrity

Hyponyms

hang crack digest dissociate biodegrade

Derivatives

decomposed decomposing

Examples

When I die I want to decompose in a barrel of porter and have it served in all the pubs in Dublin. J. P. Donleavy

Repudiation of pleasur is a reason'd folly of imperfection. Ther is no motiv can rebate or decompose the intrinsic joy of activ life, whereon all function whatsoever in man is based. Robert Bridges

Presumably what happened to Jesus was what happens to all of us when we die. We decompose. Accounts of Jesus's resurrection and ascension are about as well-documented as Jack and the Beanstalk. Richard Dawkins

To decompose is to live too, I know, I know, don't torment me, but one sometimes forgets. Samuel Beckett

The corpse of a bird does not decompose in flight, but on the ground. Duala Proverb

The corpse of a bird does not decompose in flight, but on the ground. African Proverb

Close letter words and terms

decomponible decomposability decomposable decomposed decomposed layer decomposed leaves