Webster's English Dictionary

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deteriorate

de.te.ri.o.rate \di-'tir-e--*-.ra-t\ vb [LL deterioratus, pp. of 
   deteriorare, fr. L deterior worse, f]r. de- + -ter (suffix as in L uter 
   which of two) + -ior : to make inferior in quality or value : IMPAIR  1: to 
   grow worse  2: DEGENERATE