putrefy
UK: ˈpjuːtrɪfaɪ | US: ˈpjuːtrəfaɪ
vi. to decay or rot, producing a foul smell
vt. to cause organic matter to decay
putrefy = putre<rotten> + fy<make>
- putre (from Latin puter "rotten, decaying")
- fy (verb-forming suffix, from Latin -ficare "to make")
Etymology Origin:
The word "putrefy" traces back to Latin putrefacere, combining puter (rotten) and facere (to make). It entered Middle English via Old French putrefier, retaining its core meaning of inducing decay. The morphemes vividly reflect the process: putre signals decomposition, while -fy implies causation, creating a logical "make rotten" action.
Organic waste will putrefy if left unrefrigerated.
The humid climate accelerated the meat's tendency to putrefy.
Bacteria help putrefy dead plants, enriching the soil.
The neglected fish began to putrefy, filling the room with a stench.
Ancient embalming techniques aimed to prevent bodies from putrefying.