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rot

v. · n.
US //ˈɹɑt// UK //ɹˈɒt// rot
  1. 1 to decay (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    to break down or decay naturally, usually because of bacteria or fungi.

    to undergo decomposition through biological action. Intransitive or transitive use.

    Example

    The fallen apples began to rot on the damp ground after the storm.

    Example

    If the timber is not treated with a waterproof sealant, the constant exposure to moisture will cause the structural beams to rot within a few years.
  2. 2 to stay in a bad place (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    to stay in an unpleasant place or situation for a very long time.

    to suffer or languish in a state of neglect or confinement over a prolonged period.

    Example

    He felt like he was rotting in that boring office job with no chance of promotion.

    Example

    The political prisoner was left to rot in a damp cell for a decade before the international community intervened.
    • languish
    • waste away
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  1. 3 decaying matter (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the state of decaying, or the part of something that has decayed.

    the process of decomposition or the resulting decayed matter itself.

    Example

    The smell of rot coming from the old wooden boat was overwhelming.

    Example

    The surveyor identified significant dry rot in the floorboards, suggesting that the property had been poorly maintained for decades.
  2. 4 nonsense (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English Informal

    silly talk or ideas that are not true.

    verbal nonsense or worthless ideas. Uncountable in this sense.

    Example

    Don't listen to him; he's talking absolute rot about the new manager.

    Example

    The editorial dismissed the politician's latest economic proposal as pure rot, arguing that the figures were entirely fabricated.
Idioms1 entry

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