deteriorate definition
Full Definition of DETERIORATE. transitive verb. 1. : to make inferior in quality or value: impair. 2. : disintegrate. intransitive verb. â deÂ·teÂ·riÂ·oÂ·raÂ·tive \-ËrÄ-tiv\ adjective. See deteriorate defined for English-language learners. See deteriorate defined for kids.ate Latin deterioratus, past participle of deteriorare, from Latin deterior worse, from de- + -ter (suffix as in Latin uter which of two) + -ior (comparative suffix) â more at whether, -er. First Known Use: 1572.