foment
foh-MENT
/foʊˈment/
To instigate or stir up an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action.
Foment implies a slow, nurturing process of trouble—like keeping a fire warm until it's ready to blaze. It's often used for rebellion or discord.
The story behind the word. Originally a medical term, a 'fomentation' was a warm, moist bandage applied to ease pain or draw out infection. Metaphorically, to 'foment' trouble is to keep it 'warm' so that it continues to grow and eventually 'comes to a head'.
Word relationships
- incite: Incite is more immediate; foment is more about the long-term cultivation of bad feelings.
- stifle: Stifle means to suppress or crush something, like a rebellion, before it can grow.
Commonly confused with
- ferment: Ferment is a chemical process (like making beer) or a state of general excitement; foment is the deliberate act of stirring up trouble.
Word family
- fomentation (noun): The act of instigating trouble, or (medically) the application of warm liquid to the body.
Collocations
- foment revolution
- foment trouble
- foment discord
Example sentences
- "Foreign agents were accused of trying to foment unrest within the border regions." Political analysis.
- "They seek to foment division where there should be unity." A historical quote.
Memory hook
Foment sounds like 'Foam' + 'it'. Think of a situation foaming over because you kept it warm. Foment: Warming up the trouble.
When not to use
Don't use 'foment' for a sudden, impulsive act. It suggests a period of 'brewing' or 'cultivating' trouble.
Fun facts
- The medical sense of 'foment' is still technically correct, though you are much more likely to see it in a history book than a modern hospital.
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