dilapidation
UK: dɪˌlæp.ɪˈdeɪ.ʃən | US: dɪˌlæp.əˈdeɪ.ʃən
n. the state of disrepair or ruin, especially of a building or structure
n. the process of falling into decay or disuse
dilapidation = di<apart> + lapid<stone> + ation<noun suffix>
- di<apart>: From Latin dis-, meaning "apart" or "asunder."
- lapid<stone>: From Latin lapis (genitive lapidis), meaning "stone," often referring to structures made of stone.
- ation<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns indicating a state or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word dilapidation originates from Latin dilapidare, meaning "to squander or destroy," literally "to scatter like stones." It reflects the imagery of a stone structure crumbling apart (di- "apart" + lapid- "stone"). Over time, it evolved to describe the decay of buildings or any valuable property, emphasizing the gradual breakdown of solid, stone-like integrity.
The old mansion was in a state of severe dilapidation, with its roof caving in and walls cracked.
Years of neglect led to the dilapidation of the historic theater.
The city council allocated funds to prevent further dilapidation of public monuments.
The dilapidation of the bridge posed a danger to commuters.
Archaeologists studied the dilapidation of ancient ruins to understand their original construction.