Definitions

putrefaction

[pyoo-truh-fak-shuhn] / ˌpyu trəˈfæk ʃən /

NOUN

decay

Synonyms

STRONG

adulteration atrophy blight breakdown caries consumption corrosion decadence decline decomposition decrease decrepitude degeneracy degeneration depreciation deterioration dilapidation disintegration disrepair dissolution downfall dying extinction fading failing gangrene impairment mortification putrescence putridity putridness rot rottenness rotting ruin ruination rust senescence spoilage spoilation wasting withering

WEAK

crumbling perishing wasting away

Antonyms

STRONG

ascent betterment building combination construction development growth improvement increase morality rise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“At death, virus replication stops and putrefaction and heat begins to neutralize live virus,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2024

The putrefaction of flesh caused many corpses to inflate.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 27, 2023

Clostridium septicum is one species of bacteria involved in putrefaction.

From Salon • Oct. 2, 2023

"He's in the putrefaction stage now, because of the water."

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2023

Our village was blessed for weeks with the smell of putrefaction.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver