Dilapidate

v. t. [imp. & p. p. DILAPIDATED; p. pr. & vb. n. DILAPIDATING.] [Lat. dilapidare, dilapidatum, to scatter like stones, from di, for dis, and lapidare, to throw stones, from lapis, a stone; It. dilapidare, Sp. dilapidar, Fr. dilapider.]

1Sense 1. To bring into a condition of decay or partial ruin, by misuse or through neglect; to destroy the fairness and good condition of;—said of a building.

If the bishop, parson, or vicar, &c., dilapidates the buildings, or cuts down the timber of the patrimony of the church. Blackstone.

2Sense 2. To reduce to disorder and loss; to diminish by waste and abuse; to squander.

The patrimony of the bishopric of Oxon was much dilapidated. Wood.

To get out of repair; to fall into partial ruin; to become decayed. A deserted and dilapidated building that had been a barn. Cooper.