Definition

1. Adjective:
   • In an advanced state of decomposition and having a foul odor: Describes organic matter that is rotting or decaying, producing a very unpleasant smell.
   • Morally corrupt, evil, or vile: Used figuratively to describe something that is profoundly corrupt, depraved, or disgusting in a non-physical sense.
   • Of or relating to putrefaction: Pertaining to the process of decay and rotting.

Usage Examples

• Literal (Physical Decay):
  • The垃圾桶 was filled with putrid food waste. (The garbage can was filled with rotting food waste.)
  • A putrid smell came from the abandoned refrigerator. (A foul smell of decay came from the abandoned refrigerator.)
• Figurative (Moral/Abstract):
  • The dictator's regime was built on putrid corruption. (The dictator's regime was built on vile corruption.)
  • He exposed the putrid hypocrisy of the institution. (He exposed the deeply corrupt hypocrisy of the institution.)

Advanced Usage

• "Putrid with...": Used to emphasize that something is thoroughly permeated by a negative quality.
  • The deal was putrid with greed. (The deal was thoroughly tainted by greed.)
• Intensifier (Informal): In informal contexts, can describe something as extremely bad or unpleasant.
  • We had a putrid time at the party; nothing went right. (We had a terrible time at the party.)

Variants and Related Words

• Putrefy (verb): To decay or rot and produce a fetid smell.
  • The meat began to putrefy in the heat.
• Putrefaction (noun): The process of decaying or rotting.
  • The putrefaction of the organic material was rapid.
• Putrescent (adjective): In the process of decaying; becoming putrid.
  • The putrescent leaves filled the forest floor.

Synonyms

• Rotten: Decayed and foul-smelling.
• Fetid: Smelling extremely unpleasant.
• Decayed: Having rotted or decomposed.
• Corrupt: Willing to act dishonestly (figurative sense).
• Vile: Morally despicable or abhorrent (figurative sense).

Antonyms

• Fresh: Newly made or obtained; not decayed.
• Fragrant: Having a pleasant, sweet smell.
• Wholesome: Conducive to or suggestive of good health and physical well-being; morally good.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A putrid state": A condition of advanced decay or corruption.
  • After the flood, the basement was in a putrid state.
• "Turn putrid": To become rotten or corrupt.
  • If you don't refrigerate it, the milk will turn putrid. (Literal)
  • His ideals turned putrid after he gained power. (Figurative)

Adjective

1. morally corrupt or evil
   • the putrid atmosphere of the court
2. in an advanced state of decomposition and having a foul odor
   • horrible like raw and putrid flesh- Somerset Maugham
3. of or relating to or attended by putrefaction
   • putrid decomposition