festered; festering
ˈfe-st(ə-)riŋ 
1
: to generate pus
The wound became inflamed and festered.
3
a
: to cause increasing poisoning, irritation, or bitterness : rankle
dissent festered unchecked
His resentment festered for years.
b
: to undergo or exist in a state of progressive deterioration
allowed slums to fester
: to make inflamed or corrupt
: a suppurating sore : pustule
Did you know?
Fester comes from Latin fistula, meaning "pipe" or "fistulous ulcer." Fistula, in English, refers to an abnormal passage leading from an abscess or hollow organ and permitting passage of fluids or secretions. The word's use as a verb meaning "to generate pus" influenced its use as a word implying a worsening state.
Examples of fester in a Sentence
Verb
His wounds festered for days before he got medical attention.
His feelings of resentment have festered for years.
We should deal with these problems now instead of allowing them to fester.
Noun
pus oozed out of the fester
Recent Examples on the Web
Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Users have convened on 4chan to plan hacks like DDoS attacks, and conspiracy theories that festered on 4chan even reportedly inspired the January 6 insurrection at the United States Capitol.
—Matt Burgess, Wired News, 15 Apr. 2025
Even after the American War for Independence officially ended, unresolved disputes about territorial borders, unpaid debts and seizures of property continued to fester between the United States and Great Britain, poisoning their relations.
—Tom Bell, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
There’s also a festering resentment about how the boy died that Amy can’t let go of.
—Max Gao, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fester
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
As the riots festered, Ayyub, who was then nineteen, decided to help.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Users have convened on 4chan to plan hacks like DDoS attacks, and conspiracy theories that festered on 4chan even reportedly inspired the January 6 insurrection at the United States Capitol.
—Matt Burgess, Wired News, 15 Apr. 2025
Even after the American War for Independence officially ended, unresolved disputes about territorial borders, unpaid debts and seizures of property continued to fester between the United States and Great Britain, poisoning their relations.
—Tom Bell, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
There’s also a festering resentment about how the boy died that Amy can’t let go of.
—Max Gao, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fester
Cite this Entry
“Fester.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fester. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share