Rots

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Undergoes decay or decomposition, breaking down due to natural processes ; slowly declines or becomes worse in quality or condition over time
2. Breaks down biologically, often becoming soft and foul-smelling as it decomposes ; experiences a gradual loss of value, strength, or effectiveness
3. Decomposes as organic matter decays from moisture, bacteria, or fungi ; progressively worsens or degenerates, losing original freshness or integrity

Etymology: "Rots" is simply the third-person singular form of the verb, so its history is that of "rot" itself. The verb descends from Old English "rotian," meaning to rot, become corrupted, ulcerate, or putrefy, a sense that has stayed remarkably stable for over a thousand years. Its roots run back to a Proto-Germanic verb, "rutāną," which carried the same idea of decay. The word is inherited rather than borrowed, meaning English never had to import it from another language. Its Middle English form, "roten," gradually settled into the spelling and pronunciation we know now, while the older meaning of physical putrefaction remained at its core.

Synonyms: decays, decomposes, deteriorates, spoils, corrodes

Antonyms: preserves, freshens, maintains, revives, restores