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détériorer
/de.te.ʁje.ʁe/
to deteriorate or damage
Le temps détériore les bâtiments anciens.
Time deteriorates old buildings.
general
To cause something to become worse in quality or condition over time, often through wear, decay, or damage.
L'humidité détériore les livres.
Moisture damages the books.
Son comportement a détérioré ses relations avec ses collègues.
His behavior worsened his relationships with his colleagues.
Often used for physical objects, health, or relationships.
Collocations
détériorer la santéto damage healthdétériorer les relationsto worsen relationshipsdétériorer la qualitéto degrade quality
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'détériorer' for gradual decline or damage, whether physical or abstract.
Word Origin
From Old French 'deteriorer', from Latin 'deterior' (worse), from 'de-' (down) + 'terius' (third, comparative of 'tres' (three)).
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as physical decay or worsening of abstract concepts.
Word Breakdown
dé-
down, away
prefix-tériorer
to make worse
rootDictionnaire Français-Anglais