putrefy
UK[ˈpjuːtrɪfaɪ]US[ˈpjuːtrɪfaɪ]
v
(of organic matter) to decay or rot and produce a very unpleasant smell.
v
to become morally corrupt or degenerate.
Morpheme Breakdown
putre
fy
putre
rotten
fy
to make
Etymology
the word 'putrefy' entered english in the late 14th century from the old french 'putrefier', which itself descended from the latin 'putrefacere'. this latin verb is a compound of 'puter' (rotten) and 'facere' (to make), literally meaning "to make rotten." the core concept of inducing a state of decay has remained remarkably consistent. while the literal meaning pertains to biological decomposition, the term also developed a figurative sense in english, applying to moral or social decay, thereby extending the logic of corruption from the physical to the abstract realm.
Analysis
Structure: putre (rotten) + fy (to make)
putre originates from the latin adjective 'puter, putris' meaning rotten or decaying. fy originates from the latin verb-forming suffix '-ficare', from 'facere' meaning to make or do.
Examples
the forgotten vegetables in the bottom of the fridge began to putrefy.
if the wound is not properly cleaned, it may putrefy and lead to gangrene.
some argue that a society without justice will slowly putrefy from within.