Main Entry: ²fester

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): fes·tered; fes·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\

Date: 14th century

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