gangrene

/ˈɡæŋˌɡrin/
noun
  1. The death of body tissue, usually caused by a lack of blood flow or a serious infection.
    • The doctor said the wound had developed gangrene and needed immediate treatment.
    • If left untreated, gangrene can spread and lead to amputation.
    • During the war, many soldiers lost limbs to gangrene from infected injuries.
  2. A harmful or corrupting influence that spreads and destroys something from within.
    • The leader saw dishonesty as a gangrene that would ruin the team.
    • Corruption was the gangrene eating away at the government.
    • Hate can become a gangrene in a community if not addressed.
Synonyms
verb
  1. To become affected with gangrene; to decay or rot.
    • The injured tissue began to gangrene after the blood supply was cut off.
    • If the wound is not cleaned, it may gangrene and cause serious problems.
    • The old fruit started to gangrene in the damp cellar.