Putrefy/ˈpjuːtrɪfaɪ/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Strong Odor Putrefy emphasizes a bad smell from decay, more than just rotting alone. Despite cleaning, the smell of putrefy remained. Pro Tip 2/3Advanced Decay Use 'putrefy' to describe something past initial stages of decay, advanced decomposition. In the summer heat, the roadkill began to putrefy rapidly. Pro Tip 3/3Negative Tone The term 'putrefy' carries a negative connotation, indicating disgust. The abandoned fridge was filled with food that had started to putrefy.