Suppurate: meaning, definitions and examples

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suppurate

[ ˈsʌpjʊreɪt ]

^{Context #1}

medical

To form or discharge pus; to become or cause to become suppurating.

Synonyms

festering, infected, pussy

Examples of usage

The wound began to suppurate after getting infected.
If the infection is not treated, the wound may suppurate.

^{Context #2}

formal

To grow or develop gradually into a more advanced, mature, or complex state.

Synonyms

develop, evolve, mature

Examples of usage

The idea began to suppurate in his mind, evolving into a full-fledged plan.
Over time, the small disagreement suppurated into a major conflict.

Word origin

The word 'suppurate' originated from the Latin word 'suppuratus', which is the past participle of 'suppurare', meaning 'to form or discharge pus'. The term has been used in medical contexts since the 17th century to describe the process of pus formation in wounds or infections. Over time, 'suppurate' has also been figuratively applied to describe the gradual development or evolution of ideas, conflicts, or situations.