fester
UK[ˈfɛstə]US[ˈfɛstər]
v
(of a wound or sore) to become infected and filled with pus.
v
(of a negative feeling or problem) to become worse or more intense, especially through long-term neglect or bitterness.
Etymology
The word 'fester' entered English in the late 14th century from the Anglo-French 'fester', itself derived from the Old French 'festre', meaning 'fistula, abscess'. This Old French term traces back to the Latin 'fistula', which originally denoted a pipe, tube, or flute. The semantic evolution from 'pipe' to 'ulcer' is based on the visual and functional resemblance of a discharging abscess to a pipe or channel. Over time, the English verb 'fester' generalized from describing the physical process of wound infection to metaphorically capturing the idea of emotions or situations worsening and becoming poisonous over time, much like a neglected sore.
Analysis
The word 'fester' is a simplex word borrowed from Old French. Its ultimate origin is the Latin word 'fistula', meaning 'pipe, ulcer, fistula'. The Old French verb 'fester' or 'fistrir' meant 'to cause a wound to ulcerate'.
Examples
The untreated cut began to fester, requiring medical attention.
Resentment can fester for years if grievances are not addressed.
The political scandal continued to fester, damaging public trust.