fester — to become infected and produce pus; to become worse or more intense, especially through long-term neglect or indifference
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to become infected and produce pus; to become worse or more intense, especially through long-term neglect or indifference
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfestər/
Example Sentences
- His jealousy continued to fester until it destroyed their friendship.
- The office gossip about the boss's toupée began to fester into a full-blown scandal.
- Don't let that cut fester - clean it and put a bandage on it.
fester
VERB[/ˈfestər/]
to become infected and produce pus; to become worse or more intense, especially through long-term neglect or indifference
a worried healer examines a patient's badly infected arm wound that shows red swelling and yellow pus. The patient grimaces in pain as the healer points to the worsening infection. The wound appears much worse than before, with angry red streaks spreading outward from the original injury. Days of neglect have allowed the infection to fester and spread dangerously. Other patients in the background look concerned while the healer prepares emergency treatment supplies. how an untreated wound festers and becomes infected, growing worse through neglect
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'fistula' meaning pipe or tube. The word developed from the idea of pus flowing out of a wound like liquid through a pipe.
Breakdown
fistula (Latin: pipe, tube) - describing how infected wounds discharge pus in a tube-like manner
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His jealousy continued to fester until it destroyed their friendship.”
“The office gossip about the boss's toupée began to fester into a full-blown scandal.”
“Don't let that cut fester - clean it and put a bandage on it.”
“The neighborhood dispute over the singing cat began to fester when lawyers got involved.”
📚Related Words
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