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

And most persons like fresh meat kept till it begins to be tender; that is, begins to putrefy.

From Project Gutenberg

All these dainties were hung about my saddle, for the hotter the sun shines on them the less does the meat putrefy.

From Project Gutenberg

When hides putrefy, one of the first results is that the hair is loosened.

From Project Gutenberg

A murrain occurred the same year; at one place five thousand sheep died in the pasture and were left to putrefy.

From Project Gutenberg

Also many substances, being at rest, putrefy, and thereby become quite different from what they were before.

From Project Gutenberg