1. (v. t.) To separate the constituent parts of; to resolve into original elements; to set free from previously existing forms of chemical combination; to bring to dissolution; to rot or decay.

2. (v. i.) To become resolved or returned from existing combinations; to undergo dissolution; to decay; to rot.

ablate anatomize atomize break down break up canker come apart consume corrode corrupt crack up crumble crumble into dust decay deliquesce disintegrate disjoin disorganize dissect dissolve erode fall into decay fall to pieces fester fission gangrene go bad go off go to pieces liquefy melt mildew mold molder mortify moulder necrose putrefy putresce rankle resolve rot separate sphacelate split spoil suppurate taint take apart turn turn sour waste away wear away