fester

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈfɛstər/

Definition

Become infected and produce pus, or metaphorically, allow negative feelings to worsen over time.

Examples

• The deep wound began to fester after several days without proper medical attention.

• Resentment continued to fester in his mind long after the argument had ended.

• Ignoring the problem only allowed the underlying tension to fester until it exploded.

Synonyms of fester

Words with a similar meaning to fester:

• rot
• suppurate
• rankle
• smolder

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary