putrefy

[ pyoo-truh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, pu·tre·fied, pu·tre·fy·ing.

1. to render putrid; cause to rot or decay with an offensive odor.

verb (used without object)

, pu·tre·fied, pu·tre·fy·ing.

1. to become putrid; rot.

   Synonyms: spoil, decompose

2. to become gangrenous.

putrefy

/ ˌpjuːtrɪˈfækʃən; ˈpjuːtrɪˌfaɪ; ˌpjuːtrɪˈfeɪʃənt /

verb

1. (of organic matter) to decompose or rot with an offensive smell

Derived Forms

• putrefaction, noun
• ˈputreˌfiable, adjective
• ˌputreˈfactive, adjective
• ˈputreˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• putre·fia·ble adjective
• putre·fier noun
• un·putre·fia·ble adjective
• un·putre·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of putrefy¹

1350–1400; Middle English putrefien < Middle French putrefier < Vulgar Latin *putreficāre, for Latin putrefacere to make rotten

Word History and Origins

Origin of putrefy¹

C15: from Old French putrefier + Latin putrefacere, from puter rotten + facere to make

Example Sentences

Aristotle described them as “exceedingly fond of putrefied flesh.”

From National Geographic

Mules killed in the assault putrefied and attracted swarms of maggots.

From New York Times

Other off-the-shelf fixes discourage pests by creating a “nasal irritation” or have an offensive taste with ingredients such as putrefied egg solids, garlic oil and hot pepper.

From Seattle Times

A: Obviously, meat will putrefy and smell awful.

From Seattle Times

“She fired Mr. Schroeder?” he said, sounding stunned, like his whole world was putrefying faster than the curdled chocolate milk he’d almost just drunk.

From Literature