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putrefy

[/ˈpjuːtrɪfaɪ/]
verb
apodrecer
1. to decay or rot, especially of organic matter; to undergo putrefaction
The meat began to putrefy in the heat.
A carne começou a apodrecer no calor.
2. to cause something to rot or decompose
Bacteria putrefy dead organisms.
As bactérias apodrecem organismos mortos.
3. figuratively, to corrupt or morally decay
Unchecked power can putrefy institutions.
O poder sem controle pode corromper instituições.
Synonyms
rotdecaydecomposecorruptdeteriorate
Antonyms
preserveconservepurifyimprove

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
apodrecer
standard usage in both formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
apodrecer
common usage; may also hear 'deteriorar'
Rio de Janeiro
apodrecer
standard usage; colloquially 'virar podre'
Portugal
apodrecer
standard usage; also 'corromper-se' in figurative sense

Related Idioms & Phrases

putrefy from within
let something putrefy
prevent putrefaction
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