gangrenar

Senses

1. 1.

   to cause gangrene; to gangrene (literal medical)

   To cause or develop gangrene in body tissue

2. 2.

   to corrupt; to undermine (figurative)

   To morally or socially corrupt or damage something from within

Examples

• "La infección podría gangrenar la extremidad si no se trata pronto."

  The infection could cause gangrene in the limb if not treated soon.

• "La corrupción gangrenó las instituciones del país."

  Corruption undermined the country's institutions.

• "Los prejuicios han gangrenado la sociedad durante décadas."

  Prejudices have corrupted society for decades.

Usage

Gangrenar is a transitive verb, typically used with a direct object. While the literal medical sense exists, the figurative meaning (to corrupt or damage institutionally/morally) is more common in contemporary Spanish. Often appears in formal or literary contexts.