putrefy
Become rotten matter
To putrefy is to rot or decay, especially organic matter decomposing through bacterial action: The corpse had begun to putrefy in the summer heat.
The word emphasizes the foul-smelling, disgusting aspect of decomposition.
Figuratively, something can putrefy through neglect or corruption: The abandoned building putrefied into a haven for rats and criminals.
Organic breakdown process
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- decomposeBreak into simpler parts
- festerDecay or seethe inside
- spoilDamage or overindulge
biodegradation · breakdown · disintegration · bacteria · fungi · microorganisms · enzymes · detritivores
Emit strong odor
- fetorIntense, offensive odor
- miasmaHarmful atmospheric emanation
- malodorUnpleasant, offensive smell
- fetidHaving foul odor
rank · noisome · sulfurous · ammoniac · acrid · foulness · pungency · nauseating
Form-giving container
contaminate · perishable · expire · rotten · turn · ferment · rancidity · slime
rot
Organic breakdown process
spoil · biodegradation · breakdown · disintegration · bacteria · fungi · microorganisms · enzymes · detritivores · earthworms
reek
Emit strong odor
fetid · rank · noisome · sulfurous · ammoniac · acrid · foulness · pungency · nauseating · sickening
mold
Form-giving container
taint · contaminate · perishable · expire · rotten · turn · ferment · rancidity · slime · bacteria
corrupt
Dishonest, open to bribes
taint · pollute · vitiate · pervert · debauch · contaminate · besmirch · sully · deprave · decadence
putrefaction, putrescent, putrefied, putrefying, putrescence, putrefies, putrefactive