Definition of fester

festerverb

fester

/ˈfestə(r)//ˈfestər/

The word "fester" has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the verb "festian," which means "to boil" or "to seethe." In the 14th century, the word "fester" emerged, initially meaning "to boil or bubble up" or "to show signs of inflammation." Over time, its meaning expanded to include the concept of wounds or sores becoming infected and accumulating pus, resulting in a festering condition. Today, "fester" can also be used figuratively to describe a situation or problem that becomes increasingly difficult, inflamed, or festering.

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to become painful and infected (= full of bacteria)

trở nên đau đớn và nhiễm trùng (= đầy vi khuẩn)

Example:
  • festering sores/wounds

    vết loét/vết thương đang mưng mủ

  • If you don’t take the splinter out, it will fester.

    Nếu bạn không lấy dằm ra, nó sẽ mưng mủ.

to become much worse because you do not deal with them successfully

trở nên tồi tệ hơn nhiều vì bạn không giải quyết chúng thành công

Example:
  • Instead of talking the matter over with him, she allowed her resentment to fester in her mind.

    Thay vì nói chuyện với anh về vấn đề này, cô lại để cho sự oán giận mưng mủ trong tâm trí.

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