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dilapidate
[ dih-lap-i-deyt ]
/ dɪˈlæp ɪˌdeɪt /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
Definition of dilapidate
verb (used with object), di·lap·i·dat·ed, di·lap·i·dat·ing.
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.
Archaic. to squander; waste.
verb (used without object), di·lap·i·dat·ed, di·lap·i·dat·ing.
to fall into ruin or decay.
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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
Origin of dilapidate
OTHER WORDS FROM dilapidate
di·lap·i·da·tion, noundi·lap·i·da·tor, nounWords nearby dilapidate
dil, dilacerate, dilaceration, Dilacor, Dilantin, dilapidate, dilapidated, dilapidation, dilatancy, dilatant, dilatate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use dilapidate in a sentence
Smilash had immediately promised to dilapidate it to its former state at the end of the year.
An Unsocial Socialist|George Bernard ShawEverything about the villain stream has a dilapidate, broken-down air: the very mud of the Spider Water is rusty.
Held for Orders|Frank H. Spearman
British Dictionary definitions for dilapidate
dilapidate
/ (dɪˈlæpɪˌdeɪt) /
verb
to fall or cause to fall into ruin or decay
Word Origin for dilapidate
C16: from Latin dīlapidāre to scatter, waste, from dis- apart + lapidāre to stone, throw stones, from lapis stone
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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