détériorer
/de.te.ʁje.ʁe/verb★Intermediate
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
Synonyms
Antonyms
💡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