macerate

(verb) separate into constituents by soaking.

(verb) become soft or separate and disintegrate as a result of excessive soaking. Example: "The tissue macerated in the water."

(verb) soften, usually by steeping in liquid, and cause to disintegrate as a result. Examples: "Macerate peaches." "The gizzards macerates the food in the digestive system."

(verb) cause to grow thin or weak. Synonyms: waste, emaciate. Example: "The treatment emaciated him."