See Also: dilapidate(dictionary)

dilapidate (iou)



dilapidate verb. Pa. pple & ppl adjective -ated, -ate. E16.
[Latin dilapidat- pa. ppl stem of dilapidare, from di- DI-1 + lapis, lapid- stone: see -ATE3.]
verb trans. Waste, squander, (a benefice or estate). E16.
verb trans. Bring (a building etc.) into a state of decay, disrepair, or partial ruin. Chiefly as dilapidated ppl adjective. L16.
J. Ruskin A large and dilapidated pair of woman's shoes. J. Steinbeck The sagging dilapidated porch. E. Mannin Dilapidated taxis. Practical Householder You can bring new life to dilapidated and neglected woods.
verb intrans. Become dilapidated; fall into ruin, decay, or disrepair. E18.
S. Johnson The church of Elgin..was..shamefully suffered to dilapidate by deliberate robbery and frigid indifference.
dilapidator noun L16.