fester

²fester

verb

fes·teredfes·ter·ing\-t(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of FESTER

intransitive verb

1

: to generate pus

2

: putrefy, rot

3

a : to cause increasing poisoning, irritation, or bitterness : rankle <dissent festered unchecked> b : to undergo or exist in a state of progressive deterioration <allowed slums to fester>

transitive verb

: to make inflamed or corrupt

Examples of FESTER

1. His wounds festered for days before he got medical attention.
2. His feelings of resentment have festered for years.
3. We should deal with these problems now instead of allowing them to fester.

First Known Use of FESTER

14th century

Related to FESTER

Synonyms: break down, corrupt, decompose, disintegrate, decay, foul, mold, molder, perish [chiefly British], putrefy, rot, spoil

Related Words: sour, turn, turn off [British]; contaminate, defile, pollute, taint; addle, curdle, ferment; mortify; rust; crumble, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, dilapidate, sink, wither

Near Antonyms: age, develop, grow, mature, ripen; refresh, renew, restore; cleanse, purify; assemble, compose, integrate; ameliorate, better, improve, meliorate

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