decompose

verb

de·​com·​pose ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz 

decomposed; decomposing; decomposes

transitive verb

1

: to separate into constituent parts or elements or into simpler compounds

decompose water by electrolysis

decompose a word into its base and affixes

2

: rot

intransitive verb

: to break up into constituent parts by or as if by a chemical process : decay, rot

fruit decomposes

decomposability

ˌdē-kəm-ˌpō-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

decomposable

ˌdē-kəm-ˈpō-zə-bəl 

adjective

decomposition

(ˌ)dē-ˌkäm-pə-ˈzi-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• break down
• corrupt
• decay
• disintegrate
• fester
• foul
• mold
• molder
• perish [chiefly British]
• putrefy
• rot
• spoil

Choose the Right Synonym for decompose

decay, decompose, rot, putrefy, spoil mean to undergo destructive dissolution.

decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection.

a decaying mansion

decompose stresses a breaking down by chemical change and when applied to organic matter a corruption.

the strong odor of decomposing vegetation

rot is a close synonym of decompose and often connotes foulness.

fruit was left to rot in warehouses

putrefy implies the rotting of animal matter and offensiveness to sight and smell.

corpses putrefying on the battlefield

spoil applies chiefly to the decomposition of foods.

keep the ham from spoiling

Examples of decompose in a Sentence

Bacteria and fungi help decompose organic matter.

the smell of decomposing leaves

The compound will decompose in the presence of light.

Recent Examples on the Web

Other people were shot and left to die in its hallways, maimed and crushed by tanks outside its gates, decomposing on side streets and in buildings. —Aya Batrawy, NPR, 6 Apr. 2024

Bamboo toilet paper decomposes quickly, so it can be composted easily. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Other companies offer similar netting that decomposes within a few weeks. Film from peels. —Kim Severson, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024

By late June, there will be millions of pounds of cicadas piling up at the base of trees, decomposing. —Celia Ford, WIRED, 28 Mar. 2024

And the decomposing bodies of several infants were found weeks later. —Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 26 Mar. 2024

However, in around 1,328 cases, brains survived in the absence of other soft tissues, prompting questions as to why this organ may persist while others decompose. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 25 Mar. 2024

On February 10 this year, the decomposing remains of six-year-old Hind Rajab were found, the shattering end to a search that began after her SOS call was broadcast by the Palestine Red Crescent. —Hazlitt, 6 Mar. 2024

Many items, such as textiles, wood, or other materials may decompose and disintegrate over time, leaving little historical trace, but ever durable, pottery offers glimpses into the past. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French décomposer, from dé- de + composer to compose

First Known Use

1718, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

decompose

verb

de·​com·​pose ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz 

1

: to separate a thing into its parts or into simpler compounds

decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen

2

: to break down through chemical change : rot

decomposable

-ˈpō-zə-bəl 

adjective

Medical Definition

decompose

verb

de·​com·​pose ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz 

decomposed; decomposing

transitive verb

: to separate into constituent parts or elements or into simpler compounds

decompose water by electrolysis

intransitive verb

: to undergo chemical breakdown : decay, rot

fruit decomposes

decomposability

-ˌpō-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural decomposabilities

decomposable

-ˈpō-zə-bəl 

adjective