verb
foment
Foment (verb) means to stir up trouble or push people towards taking action, often unrest.
verb
1
To stir up trouble or push people towards taking action, often unrest.
"Foreign governments have tried to foment unrest."
"He was arrested for fomenting a riot; after all, it's bad enough being in a riot but starting one is much worse."
"As figures like Warsi took to the TV and podcast studios the politicians who are normally most vocal when there are divisions to be fomented and culture wars to be fought went awol."
— David Olusoga, There can be no excuses. The UK riots were violent racism fomented by populism (2024)
2
(dated) To treat a part of the body by bathing it, or by applying a warm, moist dressing.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like foment.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Etymology
Came into English as Middle English fomenten, borrowed from Old French fomenter, which traces back to Late Latin fōmentāre, from Latin fōmentum (“lotion”), from fovēre (“heat, cherish”).
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for foment
See all rhymes for foment →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of foment?
"foment" (verb) means to stir up trouble or push people towards taking action, often unrest.
What is another word for foment?
Other words for "foment" include agitate.
What is the opposite of foment?
Opposites of "foment" include repress, quench, discourage, allay, abate.
What are the different meanings of foment?
"foment" has 2 main meanings: 1. To stir up trouble or push people towards taking action, often unrest; 2. (dated) To treat a part of the body by bathing it, or by applying a warm, moist dressing.
