fester
Putrefy or seethe
Fester means to rot or decay, especially of a wound that becomes infected and produces pus: The cut festered because he didn't clean it.
The word extends to emotions or situations that worsen through neglect: Resentment festered between them for years.
Problems that fester grow more toxic the longer they're ignored.
Localized pus collection
- ulcerErosive tissue wound
- pusInfected tissue fluid
- sepsisDangerous inflammatory infection response
- gangreneTissue death from bloodlessness
lesion · sore · infection · inflammation · swelling · necrosis · suppuration · cellulitis
Gradual organic breakdown
- putrefyDecompose with stench
- decomposeBreak into simpler parts
- molderGradually disintegrate from neglect
- spoilDamage or overindulge
deteriorate · corrode · putrescence · putridity · blight · canker · taint · perish
Persistent resentment toward someone
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
- animosityActive, bitter hostility
- hostilityAntagonistic disposition toward others
- rancorLasting bitter resentment
spite · malice · grievance · ill-will · smolder · brood · seethe · simmer
Poor maintained condition
- abandonLeave behind permanently
- derelictionAbandonment of duty
- dilapidationState of ruin
- languishWeaken through suffering
stagnate · deteriorate · worsen · unattended · untreated · ignored · overlooked · forgotten
abscess
Localized pus collection
gangrene · lesion · sore · infection · inflammation · swelling · necrosis · suppuration · cellulitis · boil
decay
Gradual organic breakdown
- putrefyDecompose with stench
- decomposeBreak into simpler parts
- molderGradually disintegrate from neglect
spoil · deteriorate · corrode · putrescence · putridity · blight · canker · taint · perish · stagnate
grudge
Persistent resentment toward someone
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
- animosityActive, bitter hostility
- hostilityAntagonistic disposition toward others
rancor · spite · malice · grievance · ill-will · smolder · brood · seethe · simmer · vengeance
disrepair
Poor maintained condition
- abandonLeave behind permanently
- derelictionAbandonment of duty
- dilapidationState of ruin
languish · stagnate · deteriorate · worsen · unattended · untreated · ignored · overlooked · forgotten · desolation
- festering woundInfected, pus-filled injury
- Uncle Fester
infested, infest, infestation, festering, festered, infests, infesting, festers