(1):

(a.) To gain advantage over, in contest or competition; to get the better of; to defeat; to overthrow; to discomfit.

(2):

(a.) Bad, evil, or pernicious, in the highest degree, whether in a physical or moral sense. See Worse.

(3):

(n.) That which is most bad or evil; the most severe, pernicious, calamitous, or wicked state or degree.

(4):

(v. i.) To grow worse; to deteriorate.