1. to decay or rot, especially through the action of bacteria

Examples

• The meat began to putrefy in the hot sun.
• Without proper refrigeration, the fish will putrefy quickly.
• The garbage left outside started to putrefy after several days.
• Dead leaves putrefy on the forest floor, enriching the soil.
• The wound became infected and began to putrefy.
• Scientists studied how organic matter putrefies under different conditions.