dilapidate

[ dih-lap-i-deyt ]

verb (used with object)

, di·lap·i·dat·ed, di·lap·i·dat·ing.

1. to cause or allow (a building, automobile, etc.) to fall into a state of disrepair, as by misuse or neglect (often used passively):

   The house had been dilapidated by neglect.

2. Archaic. to squander; waste.

verb (used without object)

, di·lap·i·dat·ed, di·lap·i·dat·ing.

1. to fall into ruin or decay.

dilapidate

/ dɪˈlæpɪˌdeɪt /

verb

1. to fall or cause to fall into ruin or decay

Other Words From

• di·lapi·dation noun
• di·lapi·dator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dilapidate¹

1560–70; < Medieval Latin dīlapidātus, past participle of dīlapidāre to squander (compare dīlapidātiō disrepair), Latin: to pelt with stones; di- ², lapidate

Word History and Origins

Origin of dilapidate¹

C16: from Latin dīlapidāre to scatter, waste, from dis- apart + lapidāre to stone, throw stones, from lapis stone

Example Sentences

The Victorian houses that line the avenues have been allowed to dilapidate.

From New York Times

Dilapidate, di-lap′i-dāt, v.t. to pull stone from stone: to lay waste: to suffer to go to ruin.—adj.

From Project Gutenberg

Nuremberg was the first of the free cities of the Empire to pronounce herself Protestant, though the change was effected with so much order and moderation that no iconoclastic fury was allowed to dilapidate its churches and convents.

From Project Gutenberg

They were not such as I could combat; and I am driven to dilapidate the funds of my own country by a theft.

From Project Gutenberg

They were too prone to dilapidate and destroy their dwellings; they were therefore required to pay for the locks, cupboards, and doors.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• batter
• decimate
• demolish
• destroy
• devastate
• impair
• injure
• mangle
• mar
• ravage
• raze
• ruin
• sabotage
• shatter
• sink
• smash
• spoil
• torpedo
• trash
• undermine