putrefy

[ˈpjuːtrɪfaɪ]

putrefy Definition

  • 1to decay and produce a bad smell
  • 2to become rotten

Using putrefy: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "putrefy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The garbage was left to putrefy in the sun.

  • Example

    If you don't refrigerate the food, it will putrefy quickly.

  • Example

    The dead animal began to putrefy and attract flies.

putrefy Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for putrefy

Phrases with putrefy

  • to be extremely shocked or disappointed by something that happens after one's death

    Example

    If he knew what his son had done, he would be putrefying in his grave.

  • to cause a bad smell to spread through the air

    Example

    The rotting garbage was putrefying the air in the neighborhood.

  • to corrupt or degrade someone's morals or character

    Example

    The violent video games were accused of putrefying the minds of young children.

Origins of putrefy

from Latin 'putrefacere', meaning 'to make rotten'

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Summary: putrefy in Brief

The verb 'putrefy' [ˈpjuːtrɪfaɪ] means to decay and produce a bad smell or to become rotten. It is often used to describe the process of organic matter breaking down and emitting an unpleasant odor. Examples include 'The garbage was left to putrefy in the sun' and 'The dead animal began to putrefy and attract flies.' The phrase 'putrefy in one's grave' refers to being extremely shocked or disappointed by something that happens after one's death.