dilapidate
Americanverb (used with object)
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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.
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Archaic. to squander; waste.
verb (used without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
- dilapidation noun
- dilapidator noun
Etymology
Origin of dilapidate
1560–70; < Medieval Latin dīlapidātus, past participle of dīlapidāre to squander (compare dīlapidātiō disrepair), Latin: to pelt with stones; di- 2, lapidate
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, which in 1860 took possession of a dilapidated home nearly devoid of its contents, has been trying ever since to restore it to its appearance in 1799, when Washington died.
And because of the dilapidated state of the property, it's already been indicated that he won't get any money back from his original investment.
From BBC
They also hope to attract funding and investments to rehabilitate Syria's dilapidated infrastructure.
From Barron's
A slim man with dark hair pedals slowly by us on a dilapidated bicycle.
From Literature
Energy companies require political stability and physical and contractual security guarantees before venturing into the country, which has endured years of turmoil and whose oil industry is dilapidated.
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
