ulcerate
Develop open wounds
To ulcerate is to form an ulcer—an open sore that erodes tissue and resists healing.
Skin ulcerates from persistent pressure or poor circulation.
Stomachs ulcerate from acid and bacteria.
The word extends to emotional damage: Resentment ulcerated their marriage.
Something that ulcerates doesn't just wound—it festers.
Decay or seethe inside
- rankleCause lasting bitterness
- gnawBite repeatedly at
- tormentSevere prolonged suffering
- eat awayGradually destroy by erosion
corrode · poison · embitter · aggravate · worsen · deteriorate · canker · blight
Painful or annoyed
- lesionArea of pathological change
- open woundUnhealed break in skin
- bedsorePressure-induced skin ulcer
- pressure soreTissue damage from sustained compression
decubitus · venous · diabetic · skin · breakdown · chronic · debridement · granulation
Destroy through chemical action
- erodeDiminish through persistent friction
- eat awayGradually destroy by erosion
- deteriorateGrow worse over time
- degradeLower in standing
wear · dissolve · gnaw · pit · abrade · destroy · break down · consume
Form and discharge pus
- festerDecay or seethe inside
- abscessLocalized pus collection
- pusInfected tissue fluid
- sepsisDangerous inflammatory infection response
purulent · discharge · oozing · pustule · boil · carbuncle · cellulitis · infected
Relating to digestion
- duodenalOf the first gut section
- stomachDigestive organ below chest
- gastricOf the stomach
- bleedingBlood loss from injury
perforation · endoscopy · mucosa · lesion · antacid · dyspepsia · erosion · heartburn
Abnormal tissue enlargement
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
- painBodily or emotional distress
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
soreness · burning · sensitivity · edema · inflamed · angry · raw · aggravated
fester
Decay or seethe inside
eat away · corrode · poison · embitter · aggravate · worsen · deteriorate · canker · blight · plague
sore
Painful or annoyed
- lesionArea of pathological change
- open woundUnhealed break in skin
- bedsorePressure-induced skin ulcer
pressure sore · decubitus · venous · diabetic · skin · breakdown · chronic · debridement · granulation · dressing
corrode
Destroy through chemical action
- erodeDiminish through persistent friction
- eat awayGradually destroy by erosion
- deteriorateGrow worse over time
degrade · wear · dissolve · gnaw · pit · abrade · destroy · break down · consume · ravage
suppurate
Form and discharge pus
sepsis · purulent · discharge · oozing · pustule · boil · carbuncle · cellulitis · infected · gangrene
peptic
Relating to digestion
bleeding · perforation · endoscopy · mucosa · lesion · antacid · dyspepsia · erosion · heartburn · gastritis
swelling
Abnormal tissue enlargement
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
- painBodily or emotional distress
irritation · soreness · burning · sensitivity · edema · inflamed · angry · raw · aggravated · flare-up