Putrifies

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Undergoes decomposition or rot, typically producing a foul smell as organic matter breaks down
2. Becomes spoiled or decomposed usually through bacterial or fungal action resulting in a deteriorated state
3. Transforms into a decomposed, rotten condition often marked by the breakdown of tissues and unpleasant odor

Etymology: This is a variant spelling of the more common "putrefies," the third-person singular form of the verb usually written "putrefy." The standard verb comes from Latin "putrefacere," literally "to make rotten," built from "putrere," "to be rotten," and "facere," "to make." The same Latin base also gives "putrid." The spelling "putrify" swaps the Latin-derived "-efy" ending for the more familiar English "-ify," as in "simplify" or "justify." The result looks like a regular English verb, though its ancestor ends in "-facere" rather than "-ify."

Synonyms: decays, rottens, decomposes, spoils, fouls

Antonyms: preserves, freshens, renews, revives, cleans