Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process of forming and discharging pus: In medicine, "festering" refers to the condition where a wound or sore becomes infected, leading to the generation and release of pus.
   • A fluid product of inflammation: It can also refer to the pus itself, which is a thick, often yellowish, liquid produced in an infected area.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The doctor was concerned about the festering of the wound and prescribed antibiotics. (The doctor was worried about the wound's process of becoming infected and producing pus.)
  • Proper cleaning of a cut is essential to prevent festering. (Proper cleaning is necessary to stop the wound from becoming infected and producing pus.)
  • The festering from the abscess was a clear sign of a serious infection. (The pus coming from the abscess was a definite indicator of a severe infection.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be left festering": Used metaphorically to describe a problem or negative feeling that is ignored and becomes worse over time.
  • The unresolved conflict was left festering for years, damaging their relationship. (The conflict that was not dealt with was allowed to worsen for a long time.)

Variants and Related Words

• Fester (verb): To become infected and generate pus; or, to become worse through long-term neglect (metaphorical).

  • If you don't clean that scrape, it will fester. (If you don't clean that scrape, it will become infected.)
  • Resentment began to fester between the two old friends. (Resentment started to grow and worsen between them.)

• Suppuration (noun): A more formal medical term for the process of pus formation.

• Purulence (noun): The state of forming or containing pus.

Synonyms

• Suppuration (n): The process of pus formation.
• Maturation (n): In medical contexts, the final stage of suppuration where an abscess comes to a head.
• Discharge (n): A general term for the release of fluid, including pus.

Related Phrases

• "a festering sore": Literally, an infected wound; metaphorically, a persistent and worsening problem.
  • The corruption scandal was a festering sore on the government's reputation. (The scandal was a persistent problem that damaged the government's reputation.)

Related Idioms

• "to let something fester": To allow a problem or bad feeling to continue without addressing it, causing it to worsen.
  • You shouldn't let your anger fester; talk to him about what happened. (You should not allow your anger to grow worse by ignoring it.)

Noun

1. a fluid product of inflammation
2. (medicine) the formation of morbific matter in an abscess or a vesicle and the discharge of pus