putrefy

[pyoo-truh-fahy] /ˈpyu trəˌfaɪ/
verb (used with object), putrefied, putrefying.
1.
to render putrid; cause to rot or decay with an offensive odor.
verb (used without object), putrefied, putrefying.
2.
to become putrid; rot.
3.
to become gangrenous.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English putrefien < Middle French putrefier < Vulgar Latin *putreficāre, for Latin putrefacere to make rotten
Related forms
putrefiable, adjective
putrefier, noun
unputrefiable, adjective
unputrefied, adjective
Synonyms
2. decompose, spoil.
British Dictionary definitions for putrefy

putrefy

/ˈpjuːtrɪˌfaɪ/
verb -fies, -fying, -fied
1.
(of organic matter) to decompose or rot with an offensive smell
Derived Forms
putrefaction (ˌpjuːtrɪˈfækʃən) noun
putrefactive, putrefacient (ˌpjuːtrɪˈfeɪʃənt) adjective
putrefiable, adjective
putrefier, noun
Word Origin
C15: from Old French putrefier + Latin putrefacere, from puter rotten + facere to make
Word Origin and History for putrefy
v.

mid-15c., from Middle French putréfier, from Latin putrefacere "to make rotten," from putrere (see putrid) + facere (see factitious). Related: Putrefied; putrefying.

putrefy in Medicine

putrefy pu·tre·fy (pyōō'trə-fī')
v. pu·tre·fied, pu·tre·fy·ing, pu·tre·fies

  1. To become decayed or cause to decay and have a foul odor.

  2. To make or become gangrenous.