Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
verb (used with object), di·lap·i·dat·ed, di·lap·i·dat·ing.
- to cause or allow (a building, automobile, etc.) to fall into a state of disrepair, as by misuse or neglect (often used passively): The house had been dilapidated by neglect.
- Archaic. to squander; waste.
verb (used without object), di·lap·i·dat·ed, di·lap·i·dat·ing.
- to fall into ruin or decay.
verb
- to fall or cause to fall into ruin or decay
1560s, “to bring a building to ruin,” from Latin dilapidatus, past participle of dilapidare “to squander, waste,” originally “to throw stones, scatter like stones;” see dilapidation. Perhaps the English word is a back-formation from dilapidation.