fester

4 definitions • 4 examples

If a cut or other injury festers, it becomes infected and produces pus:

a festering sore

If an argument or bad feeling festers, it continues so that feelings of hate or lack of satisfaction increase:

It's better to express your anger than let it fester inside you.

a festering argument/dispute

(of an injury such as a cut) to become infected and form pus (= thick yellow liquid)

fig. If a bad situation such as an argument festers, it becomes worse because it is being ignored:

It was better that she expressed her anger rather than let it fester inside her.