apodrecer

Senses

1. 1.

   to rot, to decay

   to decompose or spoil due to bacterial or fungal action

2. 2.

   to fester, to rot

   to deteriorate morally or psychologically

3. 3.

   to languish, to waste away

   to remain in a miserable or stagnant condition

Examples

• "A fruta apodreceu porque ficou muito tempo fora da geladeira."

  The fruit rotted because it was left out of the fridge too long.

• "Ele está apodrecendo na cadeia há anos sem julgamento."

  He's been rotting in jail for years without trial.

• "Se você não comer logo, a comida vai apodrecer."

  If you don't eat it soon, the food will go bad.

Usage

Regular -er verb conjugated like "esquecer." Common in both literal contexts (food, organic matter) and figurative contexts (people languishing in prison, moral decay). The related adjective "podre" (rotten) and noun "podridão" (rot, rottenness) are frequently used.