putrefy

putrefy Definition

pu·trefy (pyo̵̅o̅′trə fī′)

transitive verb, intransitive verb -·fied′, -·fy′·ing

to make or become putrid or rotten; decompose

Etymology: ME putrifien < L putrefacere: see putrid & -fy

putrefy Related Forms

pu′·tre·fi′er noun

putrefy Synonyms

decay, rot, putresce, decompose; see decay. See syn. study at decay.

putrefy Usage Examples

Object

flesh: They increase as bacteria putrefy animal flesh, producing a strong rotting odor.
material: Houseflies can transmit diseases when feeding on liquefiable solid food, which may be moist, putrefying material or food stored for human consumption.
matter: Thus there is always a quantity of putrefying matter contaminating the air.
sore: From the crown of the head to the soles of the feet are you wounds and bruises and putrefying sores?
corpse: Nick's manager finds him an isolated country house and while there he comes across the putrefying corpse of his ex wife.. .
smell: Our noses were assaulted by the putrefying smell of rotting flesh.

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