to form pus; generate purulent matter; suppurate.

to cause ulceration, as a foreign body in the flesh.

to putrefy or rot.

to rankle, as a feeling of resentment.

to cause to rankle

Malice festered his spirit.

an ulcer; a rankling sore.

a small, purulent, superficial sore.

verb

dissipate , get better , heal , lessen

verb

aggravate , blister , canker , chafe , decay , gall , gather , irk , maturate , putrefy , rankle , rot , smolder , suppurate , ulcer , ulcerate , abscess , corrupt , fret , grow , inflame