fester
UK: ˈfɛstə | US: ˈfɛstər
vi. (of a wound or sore) to become infected and filled with pus
vi. (of a negative feeling or situation) to worsen over time, often due to neglect
vt. to cause something to rot or decay
The word fester traces back to Latin fistula, which originally meant "pipe" or "tube" but later came to describe an abscess due to the tubular shape of some wounds. Through Old French festre, it entered Middle English with a narrowed meaning focused on decay and infection. The verb-forming suffix -er solidified its modern usage, emphasizing the process of rotting or worsening.
The untreated wound began to fester, emitting a foul odor.
Resentment can fester if conflicts are not addressed openly.
Leaving garbage in the heat will cause it to fester and attract pests.
Their disagreement festered for years, poisoning their relationship.
The stagnant water festered, becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.