Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To cause an ulcer or ulcers to form on or in (a body part or tissue). This is the action of making something become ulcerated.
2. Verb (intransitive):
   • To become affected with an ulcer or ulcers; to develop into an ulcer. This describes the process a wound or sore undergoes.

Usage

• As a transitive verb, "ulcerate" takes a direct object (e.g., The condition ulcerated the tissue).
• As an intransitive verb, it does not take a direct object and often describes the subject itself (e.g., The wound ulcerated).
• It is commonly used in medical and biological contexts.

Examples

• Transitive verb:
  • The corrosive chemical can ulcerate the lining of the stomach.
  • Chronic stress is thought to ulcerate the gastrointestinal tract.
• Intransitive verb:
  • If left untreated, the lesion may ulcerate and become infected.
  • The sore began to ulcerate after a few days.

Advanced Usage

• "to become ulcerated": This is a common passive/resultant state construction synonymous with the intransitive meaning.
  • The mucosa became ulcerated due to prolonged inflammation.
• Used figuratively in literary contexts to describe something that festers or causes persistent distress, though this is less common.
  • Resentment ulcerated within him over the years.

Variants and Related Words

• Ulcer (n): An open sore on an external or internal surface of the body, caused by a break in the skin or mucous membrane that fails to heal.
• Ulceration (n): 1. The process of ulcerating. 2. An ulcer or an area of ulceration.
• Ulcerative (adj): Causing or characterized by ulceration (e.g., ulcerative colitis).
• Ulcerated (adj): Affected with an ulcer or ulcers.

Synonyms

• Fester (v, intransitive): To become septic; to form pus. (Note: "Fester" implies infection and pus, while "ulcerate" specifically refers to forming an ulcer.)
• Suppurate (v, intransitive): To produce or discharge pus. (More specific to pus formation than tissue breakdown.)

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms

Verb

1. affect with an ulcer
   • Her stomach was ulcerated
2. undergo ulceration
   • Her stomach ulcerated