noun
rotting; spoiling; decaying
Refers to the process or state of organic matter breaking down. Can be used literally for food, wood, etc., or metaphorically for moral decay.
この果物は腐れが早い。
This fruit rots quickly.
腐れを防ぐために冷蔵庫に入れてください。
Please put it in the fridge to prevent spoilage.
prefix
rotten; worthless; contemptible
Derogatory prefix attached to nouns to express strong contempt or worthlessness. Common in rough or vulgar speech, e.g., 腐れ縁 (karmic bond you can't escape), 腐れ外道 (damn heretic).
あいつとは腐れ縁で、何度もトラブルに巻き込まれる。
I have a rotten connection with that guy; I keep getting dragged into trouble.
腐れ外道め！
You damn heretic!
Verb meaning 'to rot' or 'to go bad'. 腐れ is the nominalized form used as a noun or prefix.
More formal term for decay or corruption, often used in political or social contexts.
Nominalized form of the verb 腐る (くさる, 'to rot'). The prefix use developed from the derogatory nuance of something being rotten or worthless.