transform; degenerate; decay
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to undergo a qualitative change; to degenerate; to transform (often implying deterioration)
Often implies a fundamental change in nature or character, frequently with negative connotations (e.g., moral decline), but also used neutrally for biological metamorphosis or societal changes.
The lesson that an honor student degenerated into a thief is worth remembering.
The caterpillar will eventually metamorphose into a beautiful butterfly.
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Tempted by money, he degenerated into a corrupt official.
This society has transformed from an agricultural society into an industrial society.
verb
to decay (physics); radioactive decay
technicalPhysics terminology referring to the spontaneous transformation of an atomic nucleus into a different nucleus, often accompanied by the emission of radiation.
This radioactive isotope will slowly decay.
The decay of atomic nuclei releases large amounts of energy.