Meaning & use
fester
Last updated
To become worse or infected over time, or, figuratively, for a negative feeling to grow more intense the longer it is left unresolved.
See it in a sentence
The untreated wound began to fester in the heat.
Resentment festered between the two brothers for years after the argument.
A note on using this word
Fester is often used figuratively for emotions or conflicts that worsen when ignored, not just for physical wounds.
Words with a similar meaning
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