Putrefy

Pronunciation: /ˈpjuːtrəˌfaɪ/

Definitions of putrefy

verb to decay or rot, especially through the action of bacteria or fungi

Example Sentences

A1 If you leave food out for too long, it will putrefy and become rotten.

A2 The smell of the garbage left in the bin began to putrefy and spread throughout the room.

B1 The stagnant water in the pond started to putrefy, causing a foul odor to emanate from it.

B2 The dead animal carcass left in the sun began to putrefy, attracting scavengers to feed on it.

C1 The lack of proper ventilation in the basement caused the stored items to putrefy over time.

C2 The abandoned building had been left to decay, causing the once grand interior to putrefy and crumble.

Examples of putrefy in a Sentence

formal If organic matter is left to decompose for too long, it will putrefy and produce foul odors.

informal Don't leave those leftovers in the fridge for too long, they'll putrefy and stink up the whole kitchen.

slang I forgot to take out the trash and now the garbage is starting to putrefy. Gross!

figurative Hate and resentment can putrefy in a person's heart if not addressed and resolved.

Grammatical Forms of putrefy

• past tense: putrefied
• plural: putrefies
• comparative: more putrefied
• superlative: most putrefied
• present tense: putrefies
• future tense: will putrefy
• perfect tense: has putrefied
• continuous tense: is putrefying
• singular: putrefy
• positive degree: putrefy
• infinitive: to putrefy
• gerund: putrefying
• participle: putrefying

Origin and Evolution of putrefy

First Known Use: 0014 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'putrefy' originated from the Latin word 'putrefacere', which means 'to make rotten'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'putrefy' has continued to be used to describe the process of decay and decomposition, but has also taken on a more metaphorical meaning to describe something that is morally corrupt or decaying.