foment
foh-MENT
/foʊˈmɛnt/
To instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action).
Foment is almost always used with negative nouns like 'trouble,' 'rebellion,' 'discord,' or 'violence.' It implies a deliberate, active effort to warm up or nurture trouble so that it grows.
The story behind the word. Foment has a surprisingly cozy origin. In Latin, a 'fomentum' was a warm compress or poultice applied to a wound to soothe it. Metaphorically, to 'foment' trouble is to apply warmth to a situation, keeping it hot and active so that it boils over.
Word relationships
- instigate: Instigate means to initiate an action or event, while foment implies a continuous nurturing or warming up of trouble over time.
- provoke: Provoke is a sudden, immediate trigger of a reaction, whereas foment is a slower, more deliberate process of stirring up unrest.
- quell: Quell means to put an end to a rebellion or disorder, typically by force.
- pacify: Pacify means to quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of a group.
Commonly confused with
- ferment: Ferment is a chemical process (like making beer) or a state of general excitement/agitation, while foment is the active instigation of trouble.
Word family
- fomenter (noun): A person who instigates or stirs up trouble.
Collocations
- foment trouble
- foment rebellion
- foment discord
- foment revolution
Example sentences
- "They accuse foreign agents of trying to foment a revolution within the borders." A political analysis of foreign interference.
Memory hook
Think of 'foment' as 'foe-ment'—creating a situation where people become 'foes' (enemies). Foment keeps the fire of trouble hot.
When not to use
Do not use foment for positive things. You cannot foment peace, love, or harmony. You 'promote' or 'foster' those.
Fun facts
- In medical history, doctors would 'foment' a limb by wrapping it in hot, wet cloths to stimulate circulation.
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